Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store listing for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute that erupted when former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was removed from the project midway through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by a ChatGPT‑generated script. Sacco further alleged that the studio had employed additional, undisclosed AI tools throughout the creation of the game.
The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who worked at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024, and stated she was removed from Rideshare midway through development and replaced with ChatGPT, while alleging other then‑unannounced use of AI in the game's development." In a series of public statements, Karch attempted to clarify the situation. He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, "I would have been happy to replace her with AI." He went on to explain that he had never actually met or spoken with Sacco, noting, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." Karch made these remarks during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he also confirmed that the studio was indeed using AI for certain elements of the game.
He promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized, emphasizing that the use of AI in a lower‑priced title would be a benefit for consumers. The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social 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 also issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, where he admitted to an emotional reaction that preceded thoughtful consideration.
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." The incident raises broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, especially in narrative‑driven video games where human writers have traditionally been central to crafting story, dialogue, and character development.
While AI tools such as ChatGPT can generate large volumes of text quickly and at low cost, critics argue that they lack the nuanced understanding of tone, cultural context, and emotional resonance that a seasoned writer brings to a project. Proponents, on the other hand, point out that AI can serve as a valuable assistant, handling repetitive tasks, generating placeholder content, or providing creative prompts that human writers can refine.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is marketed as a more affordable, indie‑style experience, which may have influenced Saber Interactive's decision to experiment with AI to keep production costs low while still delivering a polished product. The company has indicated that the AI‑generated components will be limited to certain aspects of the game, such as minor dialogue lines, in‑game signage, or procedural text, rather than the core narrative arc. Industry observers note that the controversy is not isolated.
Over the past few years, several studios have faced scrutiny after admitting to using AI in ways that were not disclosed to the public or to their creative teams. These revelations have sparked debates about transparency, intellectual property rights, and the ethical treatment of human creators who may feel displaced by machine‑generated content. From a legal perspective, the use of AI-generated text can raise questions about authorship and copyright. In many jurisdictions, works produced solely by an algorithm are not eligible for copyright protection, which could complicate the ownership of game assets that blend human and AI contributions.
Moreover, contracts with writers often include clauses about the exclusivity of their work and the prohibition of third‑party substitution without consent, potentially exposing studios to breach of contract claims if AI is introduced without proper notification. Saber Interactive's response, including the addition of the AI disclaimer and Karch's public apology, appears aimed at mitigating reputational damage and restoring trust with both the gaming community and the writer involved. By openly acknowledging the use of AI and promising further updates, the studio hopes to demonstrate a commitment to transparency. Nevertheless, the situation underscores the importance of clear communication within development teams.
When a writer is removed from a project, especially under contentious circumstances, it is crucial for leadership to provide a detailed rationale and to involve the affected individual in discussions about any replacement, whether human or AI. Failure to do so can lead to misunderstandings, public backlash, and potential legal ramifications. Looking ahead, the industry may see the emergence of standardized guidelines for AI usage in game development.
These could include requirements for disclosure on storefronts like Steam, internal policies that define the scope of AI assistance, and contractual language that protects both the studio and its creative talent. As AI technology continues to evolve, balancing efficiency gains with ethical considerations will be a central challenge for developers. For now, players interested in Rideshare Simulator can view the updated Steam page to see the explicit AI disclaimer and decide whether the inclusion of AI‑generated content influences their purchasing decision.
Meanwhile, Matt Karch has pledged to "do what he can to rectify" the situation, suggesting that further steps—perhaps financial compensation, credit adjustments, or collaborative opportunities—may be forthcoming as the dialogue between the studio and Stella Sacco continues to unfold. In summary, Saber Interactive's recent actions reflect a growing tension between innovative AI tools and traditional creative labor in the video game sector.
The company's decision to publicly acknowledge AI involvement, coupled with the CEO's candid apology, may set a precedent for how other studios handle similar disputes in the future, emphasizing the need for openness, respect for creative contributors, and thoughtful integration of emerging technologies.