Steve Allison, a former vice president at Epic Games, has been appointed as the chief business officer at Saber Interactive. The move was confirmed by the company in a recent announcement, marking a significant leadership change for the game development and publishing firm.
Allison has a notable history in the video game industry, having spent several years at Epic Games where he held a senior vice president role. During his tenure, he was involved in key business development initiatives and the growth of Epic’s storefront and publishing operations. His departure from Epic Games was previously reported, and this new role at Saber Interactive represents his next career step.
Background and professional history
Before joining Saber Interactive, Steve Allison served as the vice president and general manager of Epic Games Store. He was a prominent figure in the company’s push to expand its digital marketplace and secure exclusive titles for the platform. His work included negotiating licensing deals and partnerships that helped shape Epic’s competitive position against other digital storefronts.
Saber Interactive is known for developing and publishing a wide range of video games, including titles such as World War Z, SnowRunner, and the upcoming Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake. The company operates multiple studios across the globe and has a focus on both internal development and publishing partnerships.
Relevance to the industry
The appointment of a high-profile executive like Steve Allison signals Saber Interactive’s ambition to expand its business operations and market presence. As chief business officer, Allison will oversee commercial strategy, partnerships, and revenue growth. His experience with a major platform holder like Epic Games is expected to bring strategic value to Saber’s ongoing projects and future initiatives.
Industry analysts note that moves between major game companies are common as executives seek new challenges and companies look for experienced leadership. Allison’s shift from a platform-focused role at Epic to a publisher-focused role at Saber reflects a broader trend of talent mobility within the gaming sector.
Strategic implications
Saber Interactive has been actively increasing its portfolio of both original and licensed intellectual property. The company has also expanded its internal development capabilities through acquisitions and studio openings. Adding a chief business officer with Allison’s background could help streamline these efforts and improve the company’s negotiating position with partners and investors.
The appointment comes at a time when the video game industry is experiencing shifts in consumer behavior, platform competition, and development costs. Companies are placing greater emphasis on business leadership roles to navigate these changes. Allison’s understanding of digital distribution and developer relations may prove useful for Saber as it continues to release titles across multiple platforms.
Saber Interactive has not disclosed any immediate changes to its corporate structure or strategy as a result of this hire. The company stated that Allison will begin his role immediately and will report to the CEO.
Looking ahead, the industry will be watching how Allison applies his experience from Epic Games to Saber’s operations. His focus on business development and strategic partnerships could influence the company’s future publishing deals and platform relationships. No further executive changes have been announced at this time.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
