Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated dispute 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, seeks to clarify the studio’s stance on AI usage and to address the controversy that has surrounded the project. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the game's creation." In the wake of these allegations, Karch responded publicly, stating that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added that "in retrospect I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He further elaborated in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her.
We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he said, suggesting that AI could streamline development and potentially lower costs for players. The controversy intensified when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, indicating 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 statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. "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 admitted. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The episode raises broader questions about the role of artificial intelligence in video‑game development, a topic that has been gaining traction across the industry. As AI tools become more sophisticated, studios are increasingly experimenting with them for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to narrative writing.
Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production cycles, reduce costs, and enable smaller teams to produce ambitious experiences. Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI could marginalize human creators, dilute artistic quality, and lead to ethical concerns about transparency and credit. In Saber Interactive's case, the core of the dispute centers on whether a human writer was unfairly removed and replaced by a language model without proper acknowledgment. Sacco's tenure at the company spanned a full year, during which she reportedly contributed to the game's storyline and dialogue.
Her claim that she was dismissed mid‑development and that her duties were handed over to ChatGPT suggests a possible shift in the studio's workflow that may have been communicated poorly, if at all, to the staff involved. From a legal standpoint, the situation touches on employment contracts, intellectual property rights, and the emerging regulations surrounding AI‑generated content. While there is currently no universal legal framework governing the replacement of human labor with AI in creative industries, several jurisdictions are exploring legislation that would require disclosure when AI is used to produce content that is presented as human‑authored.
The public apology from Karch, though sincere in tone, does not fully address the underlying concerns about workplace practices and transparency. By stating that he was "triggered" and acted impulsively, Karch acknowledges a lapse in judgment but also deflects responsibility onto external comments.
This type of response can be seen as an attempt to humanize the mistake while still leaving many questions unanswered. Moving forward, Saber Interactive has pledged to update the Steam page once the AI features are finalized, indicating that the company intends to be more forthcoming about the technology's role in the final product.
This commitment may help restore some trust among players who value authenticity and clear communication. However, the studio will need to demonstrate concrete actions—such as detailed documentation of AI usage, crediting any human contributors appropriately, and establishing clear internal policies—to convince both the gaming community and its own employees that it respects creative labor. The incident also serves as a cautionary tale for other developers navigating the integration of AI tools. Transparency, open dialogue with staff, and clear attribution are essential to avoid similar disputes.
As AI continues to permeate the creative pipeline, the industry will likely see more discussions about ethical standards, the balance between efficiency and artistic integrity, and the rights of creators whose work may be augmented or replaced by machines. In summary, Saber Interactive's addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator's Steam listing reflects an attempt to address a controversy that began with allegations of a writer being ousted in favor of ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch's public apology acknowledges his own emotional misstep but leaves open many questions about how AI will be used responsibly in the game's development. The situation underscores the growing pains of an industry grappling with the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, and it highlights the need for clear policies, honest communication, and respect for the human talent that has traditionally driven game storytelling.