Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal AI usage disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of employing artificial‑intelligence generated text. The notice, which now sits prominently on the game's product page, is intended to clarify the studio’s stance on AI and to address the allegations that have been circulating in the gaming community and media. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 to July 2024. Sacco has alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed uses of AI throughout the game's creation.
In response, Mr. Karch has stated that Ms. Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect [he] would have been happy to replace her with AI."" The situation began when former writer Stella Sacco publicly claimed that she had been let go from the Rideshare Simulator project and that her writing duties were handed over to an AI language model, specifically ChatGPT. Sacco’s statements suggested that the studio had also employed AI tools in other, as‑yet‑unannounced aspects of the game's development, raising questions about transparency, labor practices, and the ethical use of AI in creative industries.
Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded to the accusations during an interview with the podcast "This Week In Videogames." He said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had no recollection of interacting with Sacco. Karch went on to confirm that the company was indeed using AI for certain components of the game, but framed the decision as a consumer benefit.
"We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set," he explained. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers." The controversy deepened when Sacco posted on the social networking platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "I've been firm from the beginning that I was telling the truth; I think we can all now agree that it's been borne out. Matt expressed a desire to make it right with me; at this time I don't really know what that looks like for me, and I'll have to take some time to sit with it, but I do at least accept his apology." Karch later issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. "I unfortunately got triggered by certain later comments (for reasons I won't get into) and shot first and thought second about how to respond," he wrote.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The episode has sparked a broader conversation about the role of AI in game development.
Industry observers note that while AI tools can accelerate content creation—such as generating dialogue, procedural narratives, or even concept art—they also raise concerns about job displacement, quality control, and the need for clear attribution. Critics argue that studios should be transparent about the extent of AI involvement, especially when it affects the work of human creators. For players and potential buyers, the new disclaimer serves as a point of information: it signals that some portions of Rideshare Simulator’s text, possibly including in‑game signage, mission briefings, or character dialogue, may have been produced or assisted by AI algorithms.
The studio has promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set is locked, suggesting that the AI integration is still evolving. From a legal perspective, the situation touches on emerging regulations surrounding AI-generated content. Some jurisdictions are beginning to require disclosures when AI is used to produce consumer‑facing material, aiming to protect consumers from misleading claims about the originality or authorship of the content they are purchasing. In the weeks ahead, Saber Interactive is likely to monitor community feedback closely.
If players feel that AI usage detracts from the authenticity or immersion of the simulation, the studio may need to adjust its approach or provide additional context about how AI tools are employed. Conversely, if the AI‑enhanced elements are well‑received—perhaps offering richer dialogue options or more varied scenarios—the company could view the controversy as a learning experience that informs future projects. Ultimately, the episode underscores the delicate balance that modern game developers must strike between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and maintaining transparent, respectful relationships with their creative staff.
As AI continues to permeate the entertainment sector, clear communication, ethical guidelines, and thoughtful acknowledgment of human contributions will be essential to navigating the evolving landscape. The added disclaimer, the public apologies, and the ongoing dialogue between Sacco and Karch illustrate how quickly a dispute can evolve in the digital age, especially when social media platforms amplify each side’s narrative. Whether the resolution will involve a formal settlement, a revised credit list, or simply a mutual understanding remains to be seen, but the incident has already left an imprint on the conversation about AI’s place in video game development.