Saber Interactive's upcoming ride-sharing simulation game, Ride Stimulator, has launched with a not-so-subtle jab at Gearbox Entertainment CEO Randy Pitchford. The game's announcement trailer contains overt references to Pitchford's past controversies, including a lost USB drive and his known passion for stage magic.
In the trailer, one car license plate reads "USB DRV" with a Texas reference, alluding to the infamous incident where Pitchford reportedly lost a USB drive containing confidential information and alleged pornography. Another voiceover line mentions encountering "the randiest of passengers" and driving to a "castle," which Saber Interactive boss Matt Karch confirmed are direct digs at Pitchford. The "castle" reference is likely tied to Pitchford's 2022 acquisition of Hollywood's Magic Castle.
Karch, whose company Saber Interactive was previously owned by Embracer Group before being acquired by private investors in 2024, explained the motivation behind the jabs. He stated that the references are a response to perceived criticism directed at Embracer Group within Gearbox's Borderlands 4, released in 2025. Players noted a fictional town called Embracer's Bluff in Borderlands 4, which was widely interpreted as a jab at Embracer. "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. It’s amazing to me how fast people forget those who went above and beyond for them."
Embracer Group acquired Gearbox in 2021, but later sold the studio to Take-Two Interactive in 2024 for $460 million. Despite Pitchford's sometimes controversial public persona, he retains support, with Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick having previously expressed respect for Pitchford's personality and passion.