Saber Interactive’s CEO, Matthew Karch, has revealed that he pulled off a daring stunt to secure the rights to develop the Halo: Combat Evolved remaster. According to Karch, he convinced Microsoft to give his company the project by offering to do the job for free, before ultimately negotiating a lucrative deal worth millions.
The story, which Karch shared in a recent interview, is a testament to his company’s determination and willingness to take risks. At the time, Saber Interactive was a relatively small player in the gaming industry, and securing a project of this magnitude was a long shot. However, Karch was undeterred, and he saw an opportunity to not only prove his company’s capabilities but also to bring a beloved classic back to life.
Karch’s initial offer to do the job for free was a clever move, as it demonstrated his company’s commitment to the project and willingness to take on the challenge. However, it was clear that Saber Interactive would not be able to sustain itself without a significant investment from Microsoft. As Karch negotiated the deal, he was able to secure a substantial sum of money, reportedly in the millions, to support the development of the remaster.
The end result was the critically acclaimed Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, which was released in 2011 to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the original game. The remaster was a commercial success, and it helped establish Saber Interactive as a major player in the gaming industry.
Karch’s bold move has been hailed as a masterstroke, and it has inspired other developers to think outside the box when pursuing high-profile projects. The story also highlights the importance of taking calculated risks in business, as Karch’s willingness to offer his services for free ultimately paid off in a big way.
In the end, Karch’s stunt has become the stuff of gaming industry legend, and it serves as a reminder that sometimes, it takes a bold and unconventional approach to achieve greatness.
