Saber won't change communications after AI-replacement and PR controversies

GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed

Tim Willits, Saber Interactive's chief creative officer, said at Gamescom the studio will not alter its communications approach despite recent public controversies. The disputes include former writer Stella Sacco saying she was fired and replaced by AI during Rideshare Stimulator's development and CEO Matt Karch issuing a pro‑AI, personally insulting statement that he later privately apologized for and edited publicly. Willits pointed to past backlash over putting World War Z on the Epic Games Store—now at 30 million players—and urged people to judge Rideshare Stimulator for themselves when it launches.

• Tim Willits stated at Gamescom that Saber will not change its communications strategy and encouraged players to try Rideshare Stimulator when it releases.
• Former Saber writer Stella Sacco says she was fired and replaced with AI during development of Rideshare Stimulator.
• CEO Matt Karch issued an initially pro‑AI and personally insulting public statement, apologized to Sacco privately, then released an edited reflective statement that contained another barb directed at a different games industry writer.
• Willits cited World War Z’s placement on the Epic Games Store—a move that drew criticism—and noted the game has reached 30 million players as an example of games overcoming PR disputes.