The 2011 remake of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary was a pivotal project for the then-independent studio Saber Interactive. They offered to undertake the project for free, a decision that not only showcased their dedication but also set them on a path to greater success within the gaming industry. Let's delve into how this strategic move unfolded and how it propelled Saber from an indie team to a notable name in the gaming world.
Saber Interactive's Bold Offer to Work on Halo for Free
In an insightful interview with journalist Stephen Totilo for Game File, Saber Interactive's CEO and co-founder, Matthew Karch, shared the story behind their pitch to Microsoft. He boldly stated that Saber would remaster the iconic first Halo game at no cost, driven by the allure of working on such a legendary franchise. "Because it’s Halo," Karch explained, emphasizing the value of the exposure and prestige that would come with the project.
The Xbox executive present during the pitch was taken aback by the offer, but Karch was convinced it was the right move for his young, independent studio. At that time, securing a project within a major franchise like Halo was a golden opportunity for visibility and credibility in the competitive gaming market. Karch likened the opportunity to "putting a Harvard diploma on your wall," predicting that it would open numerous doors for future collaborations.
Despite the initial low bid of $4 million requested by Xbox, Saber ended up receiving no royalties from Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary due to specific contractual clauses imposed by Microsoft. Yet, the exposure gained from this project proved invaluable.
Transitioning from Dependency to Autonomy
The success and recognition from the Halo remake led to further engagements with Microsoft. Saber was brought on board for the Halo: The Master Chief Collection, working alongside established developers like Bungie and 343 Industries. They were also responsible for porting Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary to the Xbox One. However, a hiccup occurred when Microsoft failed to provide a contract for the port until the last moment. Karch, leveraging their previous experience, refused to sign until the royalty-killing clauses were removed. Microsoft complied, and Saber was generously compensated with tens of millions of dollars for their contributions to The Master Chief Collection.
This significant financial boost allowed Saber to shift from relying on publishers to becoming a self-sufficient entity. Karch reflected on the transition, stating, "We’ve watched other people make money on our work. Now we’re going to make money on our own."
Saber Interactive's Growth and Current Endeavors
Following their success with Microsoft, Saber Interactive expanded globally, establishing new studios in Spain, Sweden, and Belarus, and acquiring studios like Binary Motion and New World Interactive. Their portfolio grew to include collaborations with CD Projekt Red for the Nintendo Switch port of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the development of World War Z.
In February 2020, Saber Interactive was acquired by the Embracer Group, becoming a subsidiary while retaining its autonomy. Under Embracer, they continued to grow, acquiring more subsidiaries and developing titles like Evil Dead: The Game. However, due to financial challenges, Embracer sold Saber to Beacon Interactive, a company owned by Karch, allowing Saber to maintain control over its studios and IPs.
Despite the split, Saber's Chief Creative Officer, Tim Willits, reassured fans via X (formerly Twitter) that ongoing projects would proceed as planned. Currently, Saber Interactive is actively developing several high-profile titles, including Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (released in September 2024), John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, and Jurassic Park: Survival.
Through strategic decisions and a focus on quality and exposure, Saber Interactive transformed from an indie studio willing to work for free to a respected and independent force in the gaming industry.
