**Rideshare Stimulator: An Original Spin on Rideshare Gaming and an Unforeseen Skirmish**
Recently, Saber Interactive revealed the initial trailer for its upcoming title, *Rideshare Stimulator*. Combining aspects of the retro arcade hit *Crazy Taxi* with a more authentic taxi simulation feel, the game stands out due to its eccentric humor and writing. Nevertheless, the element that has piqued the interest of enthusiasts and the gaming community is a fleeting moment in the trailer that subtly pokes fun at Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford.
Roughly 63 seconds into the trailer, viewers will notice an SUV adorned with a Texas license plate stating “USB,” complete with a gear icon and “DRV.” This seemingly innocuous feature is deeply meaningful, as it alludes to a notorious episode involving Pitchford, which has stirred conversation on social media.
To provide context, Gearbox’s headquarters are located in Texas, and the “USB” on the license plate directly pertains to an embarrassing event from 2018, when Pitchford left a USB drive in a Medieval Times restaurant. The drive allegedly held adult content which Pitchford referred to as “barely legal porn” from a video featuring a performer he asserted was of legal age. This incident was part of an ongoing legal battle involving the former Gearbox lawyer, settled in 2019.
The legacy of the USB drive incident has remained alive within the gaming community, often mentioned humorously. Saber CEO Matt Karch noted that the presence of the license plate is a purposeful reference to Pitchford’s blunder, framing *Rideshare Stimulator* as a counter-commentary to the perceived digs directed at Saber and its parent organization, Embracer, found in *Borderlands 4*.
In *Borderlands 4*, a spot named “Embracer’s Bluff” is found littered with debris, interpreted as a negative commentary on Embracer, a firm that has received mixed reviews in the industry. Karch shared his viewpoint, remarking, “The jibe is because Randy took shots at Embracer in *Borderlands 4*. Without Embracer, Randy is entertaining at birthday parties performing magic tricks.”
The connection between Saber and Gearbox has been complex, notably since Embracer Group acquired both studios to amplify its presence in the gaming market. Following financial troubles and the failure of a significant transaction, both companies were sold in late 2023, putting an end to their corporate sibling affiliation.
Randy Pitchford’s public critiques of Embracer have showcased a storyline in *Borderlands 4* centered around an omnipotent maniac, which he asserts was shaped by the studio’s experiences under Embracer. Karch’s take on the matter underscores the need to acknowledge those who have backed the studios throughout their paths.
While there has been no response from Gearbox or Take-Two Interactive regarding the implications of the trailer, the likely jab at Pitchford has generated increased curiosity about *Rideshare Stimulator* and the intricate interactions among these gaming entities. As the release date nears, anticipation grows regarding how the continuing rivalry and clever remarks will unfold within the larger gaming industry landscape.
