Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current stance on AI tools and to address the controversy that has surrounded the project’s development.
The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms. Sacco has alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through its development cycle and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the creation of the game.
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 controversy began when Ms. Sacco, a writer who had contributed to the narrative and dialogue for Rideshare Simulator, publicly claimed that she was let go from the project and that her work was supplanted by the language model ChatGPT.
She also suggested that additional, yet‑to‑be‑revealed AI tools had been employed throughout the development process, raising concerns about transparency, labor practices, and the ethical use of AI in video‑game creation. CEO Matt Karch responded in a series of interviews and social‑media posts.
In an interview with the podcast "This Week In Videogames," Karch said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed the use of AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. "We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be priced lower than many of our flagship releases, as a benefit for consumers," Karch added, framing the technology as a cost‑saving measure that could potentially lower the retail price for players.
The situation escalated when Ms. Sacco posted on the social‑media 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. He wrote, "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.
It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." This admission highlighted the personal tension that can arise when corporate decisions intersect with public scrutiny and personal reputations. The broader industry context is worth noting.
Over the past few years, many game developers have experimented with AI for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to automated testing and even narrative drafting. While AI can accelerate production pipelines and reduce costs, it also raises questions about authorship, job security, and the authenticity of creative work.
Labor unions and advocacy groups have begun to call for clearer guidelines and disclosure requirements, arguing that players have a right to know when a game’s story or dialogue has been largely generated by a machine rather than a human writer. Saber Interactive’s decision to place an explicit disclaimer on the Steam page can be seen as a proactive measure to align with emerging best practices.
By informing potential buyers that AI was used in certain components of Rideshare Simulator, the studio aims to foster transparency and mitigate accusations of deception. The disclaimer also serves as a legal safeguard, as some jurisdictions are exploring regulations that could require explicit labeling of AI‑generated content in consumer products. From a consumer perspective, the reaction has been mixed. Some players appreciate the honesty and view the use of AI as a pragmatic way to keep prices low while still delivering a polished experience.
Others feel that the reliance on AI undermines the artistic integrity of the game, especially when a human writer’s contributions are reportedly replaced without clear justification. The debate mirrors larger conversations happening across media, where AI‑assisted writing, music, and visual art are reshaping expectations about originality and craftsmanship.
In terms of internal studio dynamics, the episode underscores the challenges that arise when leadership decisions are made quickly under pressure. Karch’s admission that he "shot first and thought second" suggests a moment of impulsive reaction rather than a measured, strategic response. Such moments can erode trust between management and staff, especially when allegations of unfair dismissal and replacement with technology are involved.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI policies and provide updates as the development of Rideshare Simulator progresses. The company has promised to finalize the feature set and clarify exactly which aspects of the game—be it environmental design, vehicle physics, or narrative elements—are being enhanced or generated by AI tools.
This ongoing communication will be crucial for rebuilding credibility with both the gaming community and the broader public. In summary, the addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam page reflects Saber Interactive’s attempt to address a contentious controversy involving former writer Stella Sacco, accusations of AI substitution, and the CEO’s subsequent public apology. The incident highlights the delicate balance between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and maintaining transparency, fairness, and respect for creative professionals. As the industry continues to grapple with the implications of AI, studios like Saber Interactive will likely face increasing pressure to disclose their practices, ensure ethical treatment of employees, and uphold the trust of their audience.