The debate surrounding generative AI (gen-AI) in gaming continues to rage, with developers grappling with its potential benefits and ethical concerns. Recently, Saber Interactive found itself at the center of this controversy following a public spat regarding the use of gen-AI in their game Rideshare Stimulator. Now, Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits has shed light on Saber’s approach to this disruptive technology.
Saber Interactive and the AI Frontier
Saber Interactive, a major player in the gaming industry with 15 studios around the world, is responsible for acclaimed titles like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and has an impressive lineup of upcoming games, including a new big-budget John Wick action game, a new Stuntman driving game, a new Turok game, a new Hellraiser game, a new Jurassic Park survival game, and even the highly anticipated Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake
During Gamescom, Eurogamer’s Connor spoke with Willits about Saber’s stance on gen-AI. “We are experimenting with it,” Willits explained. “A game we announced called Rideshare – it’s a small game – we’re going to try to figure out if it works or if it doesn’t work.”
He clarified that while Rideshare is the primary testing ground, gen-AI isn’t being used extensively in other projects. “It’s literally one game mode of a game,” he said. “It’s important for teams to make small games to keep the lights on – that’s what this is.”
Rideshare: A Gen-AI Experiment
Rideshare, a game centered around managing an app-based taxi business, utilizes gen-AI in various ways. According to Rideshare’s freshly-added Steam declaration, the game generates some voices and localization, as well as music for the radio stations. The most innovative use of gen-AI is found in the optional Free Ride mode, where it dynamically generates missions and localized dialogue.
Saber CEO Matthew Karch addressed the controversy surrounding Rideshare in a public post, emphasizing the importance of embracing new technologies like gen-AI. “Stand firm on technology and innovation,” he wrote. “Emerging tech like AI will always provoke strong reactions.”
The Future is Gen-AI?
Willits believes that despite the current backlash, someone will eventually create a groundbreaking game that changes perceptions of gen-AI. “Everyone has their own opinion,” he said, “but somebody will make the Half-Life 2 of AI.”
He added that if a team within Saber came to him with such an idea, he would be fully supportive. “We’d ask what they want to make, what’s the budget, what resources do we need, and is it cool? Then we’d look at other games to find out what we could do differently to make sure we’re doing something no one else is going to do,” he said. “Then we’d say, ‘Let’s try it!'”
The debate surrounding gen-AI in gaming is far from over, but Saber Interactive’s willingness to experiment and embrace innovation suggests that the future of gaming may be inextricably linked to this transformative technology.
Source: Eurogamer
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