Tensions between video game industry executives have spilled into public view through the trailer for the upcoming taxi simulation game Rideshare Stimulator. The trailer contains overt references to Randy Pitchford, the head of Gearbox Studios, and a past incident involving a USB drive with inappropriate content.
Matt Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive and publisher of Rideshare Stimulator, confirmed these references are a deliberate "dig" at Pitchford. Karch stated this action is in retaliation for "shots" taken at Embracer, formerly the parent company of both Gearbox and Saber, within the game Borderlands 4.
"The dig is because Randy took shots at Embracer in Borderlands 4," Karch told Game File. "Without Embracer, Randy is performing magic tricks at birthday parties for a living."
The "shots" Karch refers to likely allude to an in-game location in Borderlands 4 named "Embracer's Bluff." Previous reports noted this area featured a large trash pile, a talking toilet, and a mayor character residing in a bathtub, suggesting a critical portrayal of Embracer.
The new trailer for Rideshare Stimulator includes voiceovers such as "When I think I've met the randiest of passengers, someone even stranger gets in." Another segment shows a car with the Texas license plate "USB DRV," referencing Gearbox's Texas base and the infamous USB drive incident. A further line, "Take a ride in my chariot, and I will take you to my castle," is a nod to Pitchford's 2022 purchase of the historic Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Pitchford himself previously detailed an incident where he left a USB stick containing confidential company information and a pornographic video in a Medieval Times restaurant. He described the video, which was later returned to Gearbox, as featuring a performer he likened to a "f***ing magician," whose technique he wanted to examine further.
In the years since these events, Gearbox was acquired by Take-Two, while Saber Interactive now operates independently. Karch has previously defended Embracer's studio acquisition strategy, characterizing its motives as well-intentioned. "It’s amazing to me how fast people forget those who went above and beyond for them," Karch commented, indicating that past grievances remain evident.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged Pitchford's sometimes controversial nature in August of the previous year, even suggesting some of his actions were intentional. However, Zelnick also expressed strong admiration for Pitchford, stating, “I love Randy, first of all... And I love his big personality. I love his passion and he is one of the all time great game makers."