Saber Interactive
Saber Interactive Inc. is an American video game developer and publisher founded in 2001 by Matthew Karch, Andrey Iones, and Anton Krupkin, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.[1][2] The company specializes in creating high-quality titles and ports for PC, consoles, and mobile platforms, with a portfolio that includes original developments, remasters, and adaptations of major franchises.[3] It currently operates 13 studios across the Americas and Europe, employing over 3,000 people as of 2024.[4][3][5] Among its most notable releases are the cooperative zombie shooter World War Z (2019), which sold over 3 million units, the off-road simulation SnowRunner (2020), and the action-packed Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 (2024).[3][4] Saber Interactive has also gained recognition for technical ports and remasters, such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for Nintendo Switch (2019), Halo: The Master Chief Collection for PC (2019), and Crysis Remastered (2020).[4][6] The studio's work often emphasizes multiplayer experiences, simulation mechanics, and high-fidelity adaptations of licensed properties, contributing to revenues of approximately $105 million in 2019 prior to its acquisition.[3] In February 2020, Embracer Group acquired Saber Interactive for an initial payment of $150 million, with the total deal reaching $525 million including earn-outs.[3][7] During its time under Embracer, Saber expanded through acquisitions like 3D Realms (2021) and contributed to major projects, but faced restructuring amid the parent's financial challenges.[8][9] In March 2024, Embracer divested Saber and select assets to Beacon Interactive—a firm controlled by CEO Matthew Karch—for $247 million, allowing the company to regain independence while retaining key IP and studios, excluding entities like 4A Games and Zen Studios.[7][9] This transaction also facilitated Embracer's exit from Russian operations by divesting related Saber assets.[10]History
Founding and early development
Saber Interactive was founded in 2001 in New Jersey, United States, by Andrey Iones, Matthew Karch, and Anton Krupkin.[11] The trio, consisting of industry veterans with backgrounds in software engineering and game development, established the company with a focus on creating high-quality video games using in-house technology.[12] Starting as a small team of just three members, Saber Interactive prioritized the development of a proprietary 3D engine from the ground up, which became the cornerstone of their early operations.[13] This engine, later named Saber3D, was designed to support advanced rendering and multi-platform compatibility, reflecting the founders' vision for sustainable, technology-driven game creation.[14] The company's debut project, Will Rock, marked its entry into the gaming industry in 2003. This first-person shooter, published by Ubisoft, featured mythological themes and fast-paced action, and was built using an initial version of the Saber3D engine.[15] Developed in a remarkably short period of about four months, Will Rock demonstrated the team's technical prowess despite mixed critical reception, as it showcased innovative level design and enemy variety inspired by titles like Serious Sam.[16] The game's release helped Saber Interactive gain initial recognition and secure subsequent work-for-hire contracts, allowing the studio to refine its engine and processes.[17] In the years following Will Rock, Saber Interactive expanded its portfolio through additional projects and engine iterations. By 2007, the studio released TimeShift, a time-manipulation shooter published by Sierra Entertainment, which utilized an enhanced Saber3D engine version (v.S2) integrated with Havok physics for more dynamic gameplay mechanics.[18] This title highlighted the company's growing expertise in proprietary tools, enabling efficient development across PC and console platforms.[19] Throughout the mid-2000s, Saber maintained an organic growth trajectory, taking on porting and co-development roles for major publishers while continuously updating Saber3D to version 4 by the early 2010s, solidifying its reputation as a versatile mid-sized developer.[11]International expansion and key partnerships
Saber Interactive's international expansion accelerated in the mid-2010s, beginning with the establishment of its first studio outside the United States and Russia in Madrid, Spain, in August 2016.[20] This move was driven by the need to tap into European talent pools and diversify operations beyond its core development base in St. Petersburg, Russia, and headquarters in Maplewood, New Jersey. By 2020, the company had expanded to six offices, incorporating studios in Porto, Portugal; Minsk, Belarus; and Sundsvall, Sweden— the latter acquired through the purchase of the porting specialist Binary Motion—employing approximately 600 internal developers across these locations.[3] Further growth came via strategic acquisitions that strengthened its European footprint. In 2019, Saber acquired Bigmoon Entertainment, a Portuguese developer focused on open-world games, and rebranded it as Saber Porto, enhancing its capabilities in action-adventure and racing titles.[21] The expansion intensified in 2021 under the Embracer Group umbrella, with acquisitions of Slipgate Ironworks in Denmark (a veteran studio known for ports and shooters), Fractured Byte in Estonia (specializing in multiplayer games), SmartPhone Labs in Serbia (mobile development), 3D Realms in the US (iconic for Duke Nukem), and Demiurge Studios in the US (RPG and MMO expertise), collectively adding over 200 staff and bolstering cross-continental collaboration.[22] Today, Saber operates 13 studios spanning the Americas and Europe, enabling global project distribution and resilience amid regional challenges.[4] Parallel to its studio growth, Saber has cultivated key partnerships with prominent publishers and IP holders to support co-development, porting, and publishing efforts. A landmark collaboration began in 2018 with CD Projekt RED, where Saber handled the technically demanding Nintendo Switch port of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, preserving the game's expansive world and graphical fidelity for handheld play.[4] This was followed by a multi-year alliance with Paramount Pictures, starting with the 2019 release of World War Z, a co-op shooter licensed from the film franchise that sold over 3 million units and showcased Saber's Swarm Engine for large-scale zombie hordes.[23] The partnership extended in 2024 with a co-funded AAA action-RPG based on Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender, emphasizing narrative-driven gameplay in a fantasy world.[24] Other significant ties include ongoing work with Focus Entertainment on the MudRunner and SnowRunner series, where Saber contributed to simulation mechanics and expansions, and a 2025 deal with Hasbro for an untitled AAA title drawn from one of its "tentpole" IPs, leveraging the team behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.[25][26] Additionally, Saber partnered with 343 Industries and Microsoft to remaster Halo: The Master Chief Collection for PC in 2019 and subsequent ports, demonstrating its porting prowess across platforms. These alliances have not only diversified Saber's portfolio but also established it as a reliable collaborator for high-profile adaptations and technical challenges.[27]Acquisition by Embracer Group
In February 2020, Embracer Group announced an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Saber Interactive Inc., a video game developer known for titles such as World War Z, along with the assets of its subsidiary All Stars S.A.[3] The deal, signed on February 19, 2020, involved the company's founders and management as sellers, who agreed to reinvest a portion of the proceeds into Embracer shares to align interests.[3] The initial purchase price was set at USD 150 million, with an additional earn-out consideration of up to USD 375 million contingent on meeting specified performance criteria over the following three years, potentially bringing the total value to USD 525 million.[3] The transaction was expected to close in the second quarter of 2020, subject to customary closing conditions.[3] The acquisition positioned Saber Interactive as a wholly owned subsidiary within Embracer Group's operating segment focused on PC and console games, enhancing the parent's portfolio with Saber's expertise in third-person shooters and co-op titles.[28] Embracer's CEO, Lars Wingefors, highlighted the strategic fit, noting that Saber's skilled team and ongoing projects would bolster the company's presence in the competitive PC and console markets.[3] Saber CEO Matthew Karch emphasized the benefits of joining Embracer, describing it as an opportunity to expand development capabilities with additional resources and support.[3] Post-acquisition, Saber retained its leadership and operational independence, continuing to operate from its global studios while integrating into Embracer's broader ecosystem of over 3,000 employees at the time.[28] This move was part of Embracer's aggressive expansion strategy in the late 2010s and early 2020s, following a series of acquisitions aimed at building a diversified gaming conglomerate.[28] By incorporating Saber, Embracer gained access to a pipeline of high-profile projects and established relationships with major publishers, further solidifying its role as a key player in AAA and mid-tier game development.[3]Return to independence and recent developments
In March 2024, Embracer Group announced an agreement to divest selected assets from its Saber Interactive operative group to Beacon Interactive, a new entity controlled by Saber co-founder and CEO Matthew Karch, for a total consideration of approximately $247 million. The transaction included $44 million in cash, the assumption of $44 million in intercompany debt, and $203 million in promissory notes payable over time, effectively returning operational control of Saber Interactive to its management team and marking a return to independence after nearly four years under Embracer. This divestment also enabled Embracer to cease all remaining operations in Russia, including the closure of Saber's St. Petersburg studio, aligning with geopolitical considerations following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.[10] The agreement initially provided Beacon Interactive with an option to acquire additional Embracer subsidiaries, including 4A Games (developers of the Metro series) and Zen Studios (known for pinball titles), for $28.1 million. However, in September 2024, Beacon declined to exercise this option, allowing both studios to remain with Embracer Group; concurrently, Embracer received early partial payments on the promissory notes from Saber, totaling SEK 300 million (about $29 million), with the balance scheduled through 2025. To support post-independence growth and settle outstanding obligations to Embracer, Saber secured a significant undisclosed equity investment in September 2024 from private equity firms Aleph Capital Partners and Crestview Partners, which facilitated the full repayment of acquisition-related debt and positioned the company for expanded development initiatives.[29][30] Following its independence, Saber Interactive focused on high-profile releases and new partnerships, with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 launching on September 9, 2024, to critical acclaim and commercial triumph, selling over 7 million copies within its first year and becoming the fastest-selling and highest-grossing Warhammer game on Steam. The title's success, driven by its intense co-op gameplay and horde-based combat utilizing Saber's proprietary Swarm Engine, not only boosted the studio's profile but also contributed to a 2.5-fold increase in Games Workshop's licensing revenue for the half-year ending November 2024. In August 2024, Saber partnered with Focus Entertainment to reveal RoadCraft, a next-generation construction simulation game emphasizing realistic machinery and open-world building, slated for release in 2025. Throughout 2025, Saber released several titles, including The Knightling (August 2025), a fantasy action-adventure; World War Z VR (August 2025), an immersive single-player shooter; and Painkiller (October 2025), a co-op reboot of the classic FPS series. The studio continues development on ambitious projects such as the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake (ongoing, TBA); John Carpenter's Toxic Commando (early 2026); Bus Bound (TBA); Jurassic Park: Survival, a single-player survival horror game set between the events of the first two films (TBA, expected 2025 or later); and Turok: Origins, a new entry in the dinosaur-hunting FPS series revealed in December 2024 (TBA).[31][32][33][30][4][34][35][36][37][38][39][40] A major milestone came in February 2025 when Saber announced a collaboration with Hasbro to develop an untitled AAA game based on one of the toy giant's "tentpole" intellectual properties, with the project led by the Space Marine 2 team to leverage advanced swarm technology for large-scale action. This partnership underscores Saber's post-independence strategy of pursuing high-impact licensed adaptations. With over 10 unannounced projects in the pipeline across its 13 studios, Saber continues to emphasize co-development, publishing, and porting services, solidifying its role as an independent powerhouse in the industry.[26][41]Corporate affairs
Leadership and ownership
Saber Interactive was founded in 2001 by Matthew Karch, Andrey Iones, and Anton Krupkin as an independent video game developer focused on creating titles for PC and consoles.[42] Initially privately owned by its co-founders, the company operated autonomously, building a portfolio of games and establishing studios across multiple countries.[3] In February 2020, Embracer Group acquired Saber Interactive for an initial payment of $150 million, with potential earn-outs bringing the total value to $525 million based on performance milestones.[3] Under Embracer's ownership, Saber expanded through acquisitions and internal growth, becoming one of the group's largest operating units with over 2,600 employees by 2023. However, amid Embracer's broader financial restructuring following a failed investment deal, the company was divested in March 2024 to Beacon Interactive, a new entity controlled by co-founder and CEO Matthew Karch, for an upfront payment of $247 million and potential additional payments up to $500 million.[43] This management-led buyout restored independence to Saber, excluding certain subsidiaries like 4A Games and Zen Studios, which remained with Embracer.[9] As of 2025, Saber Interactive is owned by Beacon Interactive, with significant equity investments from private equity firms Aleph Capital Partners and Crestview Partners secured in September 2024 to settle remaining obligations to Embracer. As of 2025, the company employs over 3,500 people across its studios.[44][45] These investments also led to board expansions, including Aleph Capital's managing director Jamie Rahamim and Crestview's president Brian Cassidy joining alongside co-founders Karch and Iones.[45] The structure positions Beacon as the controlling entity, enabling Saber to operate as an independent developer and publisher with 13 studios worldwide.[9] Leadership at Saber Interactive is anchored by its co-founders, who continue to hold key executive roles. Matthew Karch serves as CEO, overseeing strategic direction and operations since the company's inception.[46] Andrey Iones, co-founder and COO, manages production and day-to-day studio activities.[3] Anton Krupkin, the third co-founder, contributes as lead engine architect, focusing on technical development and in-house tools.[42] Tim Willits joined as chief creative officer in 2019, bringing expertise from id Software to guide creative vision across Saber's portfolio.[47] This core team has navigated the company's transitions, emphasizing sustainable growth and technological innovation.[45]Headquarters and studios
Saber Interactive is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, where key management, design, and research and development activities are primarily conducted.[48][49] The headquarters oversees the company's global operations as a leading video game developer and publisher. The company maintains a distributed network of 13 studios across the Americas and Europe, enabling collaborative development on a wide range of projects.[4] These studios are situated in multiple countries, including the United States, Spain, Hungary, Argentina, Serbia, Armenia, Canada, England, Portugal, Russia, Belarus, Sweden, Ukraine, and Denmark.[1][50][17] This international structure supports specialized teams for art, animation, programming, and porting, with the largest studio located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, serving as a major hub for core development work.[50] Notable studios within the network include:- Saber Porto, based in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, focusing on racing and simulation titles such as Dakar Desert Rally.[51]
- DIGIC Pictures, located in Budapest, Hungary, specializing in high-fidelity animation and cinematics for games like World War Z.[52][53]
- Mad Head Games, with offices in Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia, known for action games including Evil Dead: The Game.[54][55]
- 3D Realms, situated in Aalborg, Denmark, renowned for classic titles like Duke Nukem and ongoing projects such as the Painkiller reboot.[56][8]
Former subsidiaries and divestitures
In March 2024, Embracer Group announced the divestiture of Saber Interactive and several of its associated assets to Beacon Interactive, a management-led buyout group controlled by Saber's CEO Matthew Karch, for an initial consideration of $247 million. This transaction, which included 38 ongoing game development projects and 2,950 employees across various studios, marked Saber's return to independence after its 2020 acquisition by Embracer. As part of the agreement, Embracer retained ownership of multiple subsidiaries previously operating under the Saber operative group, effectively divesting them from Saber.[7][10] The retained subsidiaries encompassed a range of development studios acquired by Saber or Embracer during Saber's tenure within the group. These included:- 34BigThings (Italy), known for racing simulations like Redout. Acquired by Saber in November 2020.[7]
- 4A Games (Malta), developers of the Metro series. Acquired by Saber in December 2020 and confirmed to remain with Embracer in September 2024.[9]
- Aspyr Media (United States), specializing in ports of titles like Star Wars games. Acquired by Saber in January 2022.[7]
- Beamdog (Canada), focused on RPG enhancements such as Baldur's Gate. Acquired by Saber in March 2022.[7]
- Demiurge Studios (United States), creators of action RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons: Neverwinter. Acquired by Saber in April 2022.[7]
- Shiver Entertainment (Portugal), developers of Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning. Acquired by Saber in December 2021 and later sold by Embracer to Nintendo in May 2024.[7]
- Tripwire Interactive (United States), known for Killing Floor and Maneater. Acquired by Saber in August 2022.[7]
- Tuxedo Labs (Canada), an AI-focused studio behind Nightingale. Acquired by Saber in February 2023.[7]
- Zen Studios (Hungary/United States), publishers of Pinball FX. Acquired by Saber in November 2020 and confirmed to remain with Embracer in September 2024.[9]