adminImage credit: Epic Games
Steve Allison, the former Epic Games vice president who helped build the Epic Games Store and its third-party publishing division, has joined Saber Interactive as chief business officer. The appointment puts his more than 30 years of games industry experience behind Saber’s publishing, marketing and revenue efforts as the developer prepares for its next phase.
Steve Allison’s role at Saber Interactive
Allison will oversee publishing, marketing and opportunities to generate revenue across Saber Interactive’s business. He will report directly to CEO Matthew Karch. For players, these responsibilities can influence how games are positioned, promoted and brought to market; release plans and availability may still vary by title.
In comments about the move, Allison praised the studios and leadership team built by Karch, Andrey and Anton. He also highlighted Saber’s ability to develop high-quality games at a reported 30% to 50% below typical industry costs. He described the company’s upcoming lineup as particularly strong.
Projects in Saber’s upcoming slate
The titles Allison identified include Space Marine 3, Jurassic Park, Turok, Hellraiser and an upcoming John Wick game, alongside projects that have not yet been announced. Specific release dates and further details were not provided in the appointment announcement, so players should look for confirmed updates before making plans based on a particular launch window.
Allison’s experience in the games industry
Before joining Saber, Allison spent more than eight years as senior vice president of publishing at Telltale. He also served as chief marketing officer and senior vice president at Midway Games. Earlier in his career, he spent over a decade at Atari, including roles in marketing and business development as a vice president.
At Epic Games, Allison spearheaded the creation and launch of the Epic Games Store and its third-party publishing division. Karch credited him with helping shape the games business through company building, platform development and work on successful intellectual property. Karch also joked about Allison’s appearance in his remarks, while emphasizing the value of his experience as Saber moves forward.
Saber Interactive’s ownership and funding
Embracer acquired Saber Interactive in 2020 for $525 million. In 2024, Saber was sold for $247 million in a transaction that also involved Embracer divesting several Saber assets to Beacon Interactive, a company founded by Karch.
Saber retained several studios, including Nimble Giant, 3D Realms, Sandbox Strategies, New World Interactive, Slipgate, Mad Head Games, Fractured Byte and DIGIC. The company also secured investment from Aleph Capital Partners and Crestview Partners to help clear debt owed to Embracer. The amount invested was not disclosed.
What Steve Allison’s appointment means
Allison’s remit spans the commercial areas that connect development with a game’s audience, including publishing and marketing. His background across platform operations, publishing and business development is relevant to a company managing multiple studios and a varied project slate. For readers following Saber Interactive, the most useful indicators to watch next are confirmed game announcements, release information and updates from the company about its publishing plans.
In summary, Steve Allison brings a broad publishing and platform background to his new chief business officer role at Saber Interactive. His appointment comes as the company develops its upcoming titles and continues operating as an independent business following the 2024 transaction.
