From Doom to Jurassic: Tim Willits' Journey Redefines Game Development

Tim Willits, the industry veteran who spent decades at id Software creating iconic titles like Doom and Quake, has embarked on a new chapter as the chief creative officer at Saber Interactive. Saber, a game developer and publisher recently spun out from Embracer Group, is now charting its own course, showcasing ambitious projects like Space Marine 2 and beyond.

Unlocking New Creative Frontiers: Tim Willits' Transformative Move

A Veteran's Perspective: Navigating the Evolving Game Industry

Willits' move from the hallowed halls of id Software to the dynamic landscape of Saber Interactive has been a transformative experience. With over two decades of industry expertise, Willits has navigated the complexities of game development, from the glory days of iconic franchises to the ever-changing demands of the modern gaming landscape. As he steps into his role at Saber, Willits brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective, poised to shape the future of the company's diverse portfolio.Reflecting on his time at id Software, Willits acknowledges the challenges that traditional North American developers face as the industry becomes increasingly complex and expensive. "As games become more and more expensive, you'll see traditional North American developers struggling," he observes. "A lot of these big companies work on one project at a time. We have no teams that work on one game at a time."

Embracing Versatility: Saber Interactive's Multifaceted Approach

Saber Interactive's approach to game development stands in contrast to the traditional single-project focus. Willits emphasizes the importance of understanding the scope and cost of each project, as well as making smart decisions that ensure profitability. "Really understanding what scope means," he explains, "If you work on a game for four months and you decide for some reason to change direction–sometimes you burn millions."This versatile approach has already yielded impressive results for Saber Interactive. Willits cites the success of SnowRunner, a simulation game developed for a relatively modest budget, yet has "made a ridiculous return." The key, Willits believes, is to "focus on the core and you make that fun, it can be successful for you."

Navigating the Embracer Acquisition and Spin-out

Saber Interactive's journey has not been without its challenges, as the company navigated the complexities of being acquired by Embracer Group and then spun out again. Willits reflects on this experience with candor, acknowledging that "having too much autonomy with all the pillars, and having too many overlapping groups–ultimately that hurt us."However, Willits remains optimistic about Saber's future, stating that the company was "lucky" to have the opportunity to "buy ourselves back." Now, Saber is poised to continue its growth, focusing on cultivating the right-sized teams and leveraging its strengths in areas like movie licenses and simulation titles.

Embracing the Warhammer Universe: The Making of Space Marine 2

One of Saber Interactive's most anticipated projects is the long-awaited sequel to the 2011 hit, Space Marine. Willits shares the story behind the game's development, recounting how the Saber team's passion and deep understanding of the Warhammer 40K universe impressed the franchise's owner, Games Workshop."The guys at Saber–our game director, Dmitry Grigorenko, he's the guy that created World War Z. He's brilliant. He had such a passion for the project. He and our creative director, Oliver, who's been in some interviews, they went to Games Workshop. They said, 'We'd love to do a Space Marine game.' Games Workshop was so impressed by the knowledge and passion and understanding of the universe they had–it's hard. It's a thick universe. They were so impressed that the guys knew what they were talking about. They said, 'Let's do it.'"Willits acknowledges the challenge of catering to the dedicated Warhammer fanbase, who demand a level of authenticity and attention to detail that can be daunting. "Games Workshop is amazing to work with, but they understand that the fanbase will not settle for something that isn't right."

Diversifying the Portfolio: Saber Interactive's Ambitious Lineup

Beyond Space Marine 2, Saber Interactive's portfolio boasts an impressive array of projects, including the highly anticipated Jurassic Park game, a new take on the horror classic A Quiet Place, and the intriguing Toxic Commando. Willits expresses his excitement at the opportunity to work on such a diverse range of titles, stating, "What I love about my position at Saber is that I can work on so many games."This diversity not only challenges Willits creatively but also allows him to leverage his extensive experience across various genres and platforms. "Being able to have that experience, and now have this experience across other genres–sim games. You know me. I never played a sim game. Now I understand how SnowRunner plays. It's a totally different way of thinking."As Saber Interactive continues to expand its reach, Willits' leadership and vision will be instrumental in guiding the company's creative direction and ensuring the success of its ambitious projects. With a veteran's perspective and a newfound enthusiasm for the industry's evolving landscape, Willits' journey from Doom to Jurassic represents a transformation that promises to leave an indelible mark on the gaming world.