Saber Interactive Reveals They Rejected ‘Coolest IP Ever’ Twice
Saber Interactive, the studio behind acclaimed IP adaptations including John Wick and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, has revealed they twice turned down what they describe as the “coolest IP ever” for a potential game collaboration. Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits disclosed in an interview that revealing the IP’s name would “shock the world,” calling it the “coolest IP of all time.” The studio declined the opportunity both times due to an overwhelming workload from existing projects, despite recognizing the IP’s exceptional appeal. Willits noted he would eventually be able to boast about this missed opportunity in the future.
Tim Willits stated that disclosing the identity of this IP would cause significant surprise globally, describing it as something that would “shock the world.” He emphasized that this was “the coolest IP of all time” but explained Saber Interactive simply had too many ongoing projects to take on another major collaboration. The studio turned down the opportunity on two separate occasions, with Willits noting he currently cannot reveal details without causing trouble. He acknowledged that someday he’ll be able to use this story as a point of pride in conversations about his career.
As a specialist in IP adaptations, Saber Interactive boasts an impressive track record that includes Jurassic Park, Hellraiser, World War Z, Warhammer 40K, A Quiet Place, and Ghostbusters. The studio also collaborated with Lionsgate on the upcoming John Wick game, featuring Keanu Reeves’ voice acting and likeness. Willits highlighted how the studio’s reputation has evolved, noting that while they previously had to pitch for IP rights, they now receive direct approaches from rights holders seeking their adaptation expertise.
Saber Interactive is currently dedicating significant resources to their John Wick game project, which serves as a prequel to the first film. The game will feature a third-person action perspective with extensive gunplay and hand-to-hand combat sequences that capture the franchise’s signature style. Developers promise an immersive experience that feels “like watching a movie,” though no specific release date has been announced yet. While fans await more details about this highly anticipated adaptation, the revelation about the rejected IP adds an intriguing layer to Saber’s development history.
