Saber Interactive Boss Believes Big-Budget $70 Games Aren’t Sustainable

CEO of Saber Interactive, Matthew Karch, has said in an interview with IGN that he believes that games that cost $70 will eventually start disappearing. Karch spoke about various aspects of development, saying that studios and publishers will eventually start looking at ways to reduce costs for AAA projects.

Saber Interactive’s own titles largely tend to launch for under the $70 price point that has become the new standard for most AAA release. The only major upcoming Saber title that will cost $70 is Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, which Karch feels is justified because of his concerns that a lower price tag might make audiences see the game as one of poor quality.

“I think that as games become more expensive to make, the $70 title is going to go the way of the dodo bird. I do,” he said.

Karch went on to cite troubled launches like the infamous release of Cyberpunk 2077. While the game did manage to find its footing, its first couple of years were incredibly turbulent for developer CD Projekt RED.

“I just don’t think it’s sustainable,” Karch said. “Look, you remember the hype for Cyberpunk, which I think actually ultimately performed okay, but when the expectations are so high and so much money is put into one title, it’s hugely risky for the company that’s doing it. What if it fails?

“I think the market is going to shift to development, which is not necessarily lower quality, but there’s going to be an emphasis on trying to find ways to reduce costs.”

Karch also talked about Saber Interactive’s own approach to the AAA model in the interview, stating that he believes that the company can release AAA games, but not at a AAA budget.

“In general, I would say that AAA development has become very risky,” said Karch. “And that’s where Saber is different. Saber, I believe, can create AAA, but not at a AAA budget.”

Saber Interactive’s next major title, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on September 9.