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 journalist Stephen Totilo, stemmed from CEO Matthew Karch's belief that the exposure alone would be invaluable. Working on such a globally recognized franchise, he reasoned, would be akin to earning a prestigious Harvard diploma, opening doors to future opportunities. While the initial Microsoft executive was understandably surprised by the zero-cost proposal, the deal was struck.

Although Karch later submitted a low bid of $4 million at Microsoft's request, contractual clauses ultimately resulted in zero royalties for Saber. The studio essentially worked for free, prioritizing long-term gains over immediate financial reward.

From Indie Underdog to Major Player

The risk paid off handsomely. Saber's involvement in the Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary remake led to further collaborations with Microsoft, including work on the Halo: The Master Chief Collection alongside industry giants like Bungie and 343 Industries. This time, however, Karch ensured the removal of the detrimental royalty clauses from the contract, securing a multi-million dollar payout for their contribution. This financial success provided the foundation for Saber's remarkable growth.

A Legacy of Success and Independence

Following their successful Halo partnership, Saber expanded aggressively, establishing new studios internationally and acquiring other development companies. They broadened their portfolio, contributing to projects like the Nintendo Switch port of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and developing World War Z.

While briefly acquired by Embracer Group, Saber Interactive was later reacquired by CEO Karch's Beacon Interactive, retaining all Saber-branded studios and intellectual properties. Despite this change, the company continues to thrive, working on highly anticipated titles such as Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (released September 2024), John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, and Jurassic Park: Survival. The Halo gamble, a testament to strategic vision and calculated risk-taking, solidified Saber Interactive's position as a major force in the gaming industry.