Halo: Combat Evolved Remake Was Developed For Free Exposure— And It Worked

The 2011 remake of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary: A Bold Gamble That Paid Off

Saber Interactive, then an independent studio, made a daring move: offering to develop the Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary remake for free. This audacious strategy, detailed in an interview with Game File's Stephen Totilo, stemmed from CEO Matthew Karch's belief that working on such a prestigious franchise would provide invaluable exposure. The risk paid off handsomely, though not immediately.

A Calculated Risk for a Growing Studio

Karch's pitch to Microsoft shocked the Xbox executive, but he argued that the unparalleled marketing value of associating with the Halo brand outweighed the financial loss. While a nominal bid of $4 million was eventually proposed, contractual clauses effectively eliminated any royalties, leaving Saber with no direct financial gain from the Xbox 360 release. The gamble, however, was a strategic investment in the studio's future.

From Zero to Millions: A Turning Point

The experience proved pivotal. Saber's involvement in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection, including porting Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary to the Xbox One, presented a crucial opportunity. Karch negotiated the removal of the unfavorable royalty clauses from the Xbox One port contract, resulting in a multi-million dollar payout. This financial windfall propelled Saber's growth and expansion.

Saber Interactive's Ascent

The success with Halo fueled Saber's expansion, leading to the establishment of new studios globally and the acquisition of other development houses. Notable projects followed, including the Nintendo Switch port of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the development of World War Z. While acquired by Embracer Group in 2020, Saber was later reacquired by CEO Karch's Beacon Interactive, ensuring the continued independence of its studios and intellectual properties. CCO Tim Willits confirmed ongoing development on several high-profile titles, including Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (released September 2024), John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, and Jurassic Park: Survival. The Halo gamble transformed Saber Interactive from an independent studio into a major player in the gaming industry.