The 2011 remake of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary was a pivotal project for the then-independent studio Saber Interactive, who offered to undertake the project for free. This bold move not only showcased their dedication but also set the stage for their future success in the gaming industry. Let's delve into how this opportunity unfolded and transformed Saber Interactive from an indie studio to a recognized name in the gaming world.
Saber Interactive Offered To Do Halo For Free
A Huge Opportunity For An Independent Studio
In a revealing 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 for remastering the iconic first Halo game. Karch boldly stated that his studio would do it for free, emphasizing the significance of the project by saying, "Because it’s Halo."
The Xbox executive present was taken aback by this offer, but Karch saw it as a strategic move for his young and independent studio. He believed that working on such a renowned franchise would significantly boost their visibility in the market. "It’s the biggest franchise in the world at the time. I said: ‘It’s like putting a Harvard diploma on your wall. Everyone in the world is going to want to work with me after they see that I’ve worked on this last Halo game, and it is going to open up doors. So I’ll suck it up and I’ll do it at a loss.'"
Despite proposing a low bid of $4 million at Microsoft's request, the contract included clauses that ultimately resulted in Saber receiving no royalties from the 2011 release of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary on the Xbox 360.
From Relying On Publishers To Becoming One Themselves
Although the initial project was a financial loss, it paved the way for future opportunities. Microsoft later contracted Saber to contribute to Halo: The Master Chief Collection alongside other developers like Bungie and 343 Industries. Additionally, Saber was tasked with porting Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary to the Xbox One. However, Microsoft initially forgot to send a contract for this port until just before the collection's release.
Karch refused to sign the new contract unless Microsoft removed the royalty-killing clauses from the previous agreement. After negotiations, Microsoft agreed to modify the contract, and Saber was compensated handsomely for their work on The Master Chief Collection, receiving tens of millions of dollars. This significant payout was crucial for Saber's growth and future endeavors. "We’ve watched other people make money on our work. Now we’re going to make money on our own," Karch recalled saying to partner and Saber COO Andrey Iones.
Saber Interactive Now
Following their successful collaboration with Microsoft, Saber Interactive expanded its operations, opening new studios in Spain, Sweden, and Belarus, and acquiring other studios such as Binary Motion and New World Interactive. The company also worked on various projects, including the Nintendo Switch port of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with CD Projekt Red and developing World War Z under their own banner.
In February 2020, Saber Interactive was acquired by the Embracer Group, becoming a direct subsidiary while maintaining its autonomy. Under Embracer, Saber continued to grow, acquiring more subsidiaries and developing games like Evil Dead: The Game. However, due to financial constraints, Embracer sold Saber Interactive to Beacon Interactive, a company owned by Saber's CEO Karch, in a deal that allowed Saber to retain all its branded studios and IPs.
Despite the split from Embracer, CCO Tim Willits reassured fans via X (formerly Twitter) that work would continue as planned. Currently, Saber Interactive is actively developing several titles, including Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (released in September 2024), John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, and Jurassic Park: Survival.
