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

The 2011 remake of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary saw independent studio Saber Interactive take on a monumental task – for free. This bold move, detailed in an interview with journalist Stephen Totilo, proved to be a masterstroke in securing exposure and future success.

A Gamble That Paid Off

Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch's decision to offer their services gratis to Microsoft for the Halo remaster shocked Xbox executives. However, Karch viewed it as an invaluable opportunity for brand recognition, likening it to obtaining a prestigious Harvard diploma. He understood that working on such a globally renowned franchise would open doors to future collaborations. While a nominal bid of $4 million was later presented, contractual clauses effectively eliminated any royalties, resulting in zero profit for the remake.

From Indie Underdog to Industry Powerhouse

Despite the initial financial loss, Saber's work on Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary led to further collaborations with Microsoft. They were subsequently involved in Halo: The Master Chief Collection, including porting the Anniversary edition to Xbox One. This time, Karch ensured the removal of the detrimental royalty clauses from the contract, securing a substantial payout of tens of millions of dollars. This financial windfall fueled Saber's rapid expansion.

Saber Interactive's Trajectory

The success of the Halo projects propelled Saber Interactive's growth. They established new studios internationally and acquired several other game development companies, including Binary Motion and New World Interactive. Their portfolio expanded to encompass diverse projects, such as the Nintendo Switch port of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the development of World War Z.

Following its acquisition by Embracer Group in 2020, and subsequent sale to Beacon Interactive (owned by Karch), Saber Interactive continues to thrive. CCO Tim Willits confirmed ongoing projects, including Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (released September 2024), John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, and Jurassic Park: Survival.

Saber Interactive's journey exemplifies the potential of strategic risk-taking in the gaming industry. Their willingness to forgo immediate profit for long-term exposure ultimately transformed them from an independent studio into a major player.