Saber Interactive's CEO, Matthew Karch, has ignited a wave of discussion within the gaming community following a comment attributed to him on a recent Asmongold YouTube video. The comment, which critiques the current landscape of video games, suggests that many titles are increasingly focused on "messaging or imposing morals on gamers." The account, named 'MatthewKarch,' stated, "Hey man. CEO of Saber here. I love your videos," in response to Asmongold's hour-long reaction to a 20-minute video by Legendary Drops.
Controversy Surrounding Authenticity
Karch expressed a desire for a nostalgic gaming experience when discussing the development of Space Marine 2, emphasizing his intention for the game to embody an "old school" feel. He referenced other titles, such as Dustborn and Concord, as examples of games that have become "too woke," a sentiment that resonated widely on social media. However, questions have arisen regarding the authenticity of the comment, as the YouTube account in question was created only in May 2024, while Karch has been a prominent figure in the industry for decades. The tone of the comment, particularly the phrase that other developers' work "made me want to cry," also seems atypical for a CEO of a major game studio.
Saber Interactive has not clarified whether Karch was indeed the author of the comment or if it was the work of an imposter. In a recent LinkedIn post, Karch remarked, "Whoever wrote that seems pretty sharp," which could be interpreted as an endorsement of the sentiment expressed in the comment. Yet, if he did not write it, one might expect a more definitive denial.
The Irony of Messaging in Gaming
The irony of this discussion about "messaging" and "imposing values" is particularly striking given the context of Space Marine 2. In 2021, Games Workshop, the company behind Warhammer 40,000, released a statement clarifying that "the Imperium of Man stands as a cautionary tale of what could happen should the very worst of Humanity’s lust for power and extreme, unyielding xenophobia set in." This statement explicitly condemned the presence of hate symbols and groups within the Warhammer community, highlighting the complexities of narrative and morality in gaming.
