Halo Remake Developed for Free Exposure: A Success

In 2011, the remake of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary was entrusted to Saber Interactive, an independent studio at the time, which offered to undertake the project for free. This article delves into the fascinating journey of how a small indie team secured the opportunity to work on a major franchise.

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 of their pitch to Microsoft for remastering the iconic Halo game. Karch boldly stated that his studio would take on the project for free, emphasizing the significance of the opportunity: "Because it’s Halo."

The Xbox executive present was taken aback by this proposition, but Karch saw it as a strategic move for his young studio. At the time, Saber was a fledgling independent outfit, and working on such a renowned franchise would catapult them into the spotlight. Karch remarked, "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, Saber ended up receiving no royalties from the remake due to specific contractual clauses imposed by Microsoft.

From Relying On Publishers To Becoming One Themselves

Although the 2011 remake resulted in a financial loss, it paved the way for future lucrative opportunities. Microsoft later contracted Saber to contribute to Halo: The Master Chief Collection, working 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 neglected to send a contract for the port until just before the collection's release.

Karch refused to sign the new contract unless the royalty-killing clauses from the previous agreement were removed. Microsoft agreed to revise the contract, and Saber was generously compensated with tens of millions of dollars for their work on The Master Chief Collection. This significant payment provided the financial boost Saber needed to pursue larger and more profitable projects. Karch reflected on this turning point, saying, "We’ve watched other people make money on our work. Now we’re going to make money on our own."

Saber Interactive Now

Following their success with Microsoft, Saber Interactive expanded its operations, establishing new studios in Spain, Sweden, and Belarus, and acquiring other studios like Binary Motion and New World Interactive. The company also diversified its portfolio, working on projects such as 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 subsidiary while retaining its autonomy. Under Embracer, Saber continued to grow, acquiring additional subsidiaries and developing titles like Evil Dead: The Game. However, due to financial challenges, 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 studios and IPs.

Despite the change in ownership, Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer, Tim Willits, reassured fans via X (formerly Twitter) that the studio's projects would continue as planned. Currently, Saber is actively working on several high-profile titles, including Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (released in September 2024), John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, and Jurassic Park: Survival.