A hidden license plate in Saber Interactive's new trailer appears to be a calculated insult toward Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford, following a dispute over previous jokes made in Borderlands 4.

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Key Takeaways

  • Saber Interactive's 'Rideshare Stimulator' trailer features a provocative 'USB DRV' license plate.
  • The reference targets Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford's infamous 2018 USB drive scandal.
  • Saber CEO Matt Karch claims this is retaliation for jokes made about Embracer in Borderlands 4.

The gaming industry is witnessing a high-stakes game of corporate shade. Saber Interactive recently released the trailer for its upcoming title, Rideshare Stimulator, but fans are looking past the gameplay. At the 63-second mark, a Texas license plate reading "USB DRV" flashes on screen, sending shockwaves through the community.

The Context of the Jab

This is no coincidence. The plate is a direct reference to Randy Pitchford, the co-founder of Gearbox, and his notorious 2018 incident involving a lost USB drive at a restaurant. The controversy, which involved sensitive content and a subsequent lawsuit, has become a permanent part of Pitchford's online legacy.

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BozokMedia analysis shows that this move is a calculated act of 'payback.' Saber CEO Matt Karch revealed that the insult was prompted by Borderlands 4, which included a location titled "Embracer's Bluff"—a site filled with trash. Karch interpreted this as a disrespectful dig at Embracer Group, the former parent company of both Saber and Gearbox.

"Without Embracer, Randy is performing magic tricks at birthday parties for a living." — Matt Karch.

The tension highlights the fractured relationship between former 'corporate siblings.' While both studios were once part of the massive Embracer empire, the collapse of Embracer's expansion plans in late 2023 led to both studios being sold off, leaving behind a trail of professional animosity.

Historical Background

Embracer Group's rapid acquisition spree between 2020 and 2021 transformed the industry landscape. However, the strategy backfired when massive deals fell through, leading to a massive divestment process that separated studios like Saber and Gearbox from their original parent company.

Did You Know?: The 'USB' scandal involving Pitchford was a central point in a lawsuit filed by a former Gearbox lawyer, which was eventually settled in 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 'USB DRV' reference?
It refers to the 2018 controversy where Randy Pitchford left a USB drive containing explicit content in a public restaurant.

2. Why is Saber Interactive angry at Gearbox?
Saber's CEO believes Borderlands 4 mocked their former parent company, Embracer, prompting this retaliatory joke.