“Somebody will make the Half-Life 2 of AI” – after the Rideshare controversy, Saber CCO says something will come along and “change people’s minds” about gen-AI
Saber Interactive’s chief creative officer, Tim Willits, says the company is cautiously experimenting with generative AI through its small taxi-management game Rideshare Stimulator, rather than using it across its wider slate. His comments follow a public dispute over the game’s AI use, and matter because Saber is developing several major franchises whose future production choices could be affected by the technology.
Willits said Rideshare is intended as a limited test, with AI used for some voices, localisation, in-game radio music, and optional Free Ride missions and dialogue. Saber CEO Matthew Karch has apologised for his handling of the controversy and added Steam disclosure labels, but maintains that studios must explore emerging tools; Willits argued that another developer may eventually produce an AI-driven breakthrough capable of changing public opinion.
- Saber says Rideshare is its limited generative-AI experiment.
- AI use prompted backlash and clearer Steam disclosures.
- Willits expects future AI games could shift opinion.