Saber CCO Tim Willits Acknowledges AI's Environmental Cost While Defending Studio's Use of Technology

AI adoption in game development remains a polarizing topic, particularly given the substantial environmental concerns surrounding the technology. Data centers powering AI systems consume significant quantities of energy, heat, and water at a time when ecological sustainability is increasingly urgent.

At Gamescom 2026, Saber Interactive Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits acknowledged these environmental challenges to PC Gamer, describing his own discomfort with AI's resource consumption. "Whenever I look something up that maybe my wife asked for, I'm like, 'oh man, I'm destroying the environment to answer this question,'" Willits said. "So yes, that is a real issue. I mean, as a society. Globally."

When asked about potential solutions, Willits referenced suggestions from Elon Musk about deploying servers in space via infrastructure like Starlink. "Elon wants to put servers in space. That could be the answer, right?" Willits said. "I don't care if I have to wait a couple of extra seconds to get my silly AI picture. But it is a problem, I think."

Saber has faced criticism over its use of AI in the upcoming Rideshare Stimulator, following allegations that a former writer was replaced with ChatGPT. While the studio denied the specific claim, it confirmed using AI for dialogue generation, stating it is "firm believers in using AI tools to improve or enhance gameplay experiences." The dialogue use was initially undisclosed on the game's Steam page.

Despite industry tensions, Willits expressed optimism about game development, calling it a "great time" to work in the sector.