Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a formal disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted when former writer Stella Sacco alleged that the company had dismissed her from the project in favor of employing AI‑generated text. In her statements, Sacco claimed that she was removed from the development team midway through the production cycle and that her responsibilities were handed over to a version of ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications that she said were being used throughout the creation of the game.
The full text of the new 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." The company’s decision to make the notice public appears to be an attempt to address community concerns about transparency and ethical practices surrounding AI in video game production. In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, CEO Matt Karch responded to the allegations. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and went on to say that, looking back, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s remarks were captured in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he added a somewhat flippant comment: "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He further explained that the studio had already disclosed its intention to employ AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, describing it as "a plus for consumers" given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title.
He suggested that integrating AI tools could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience, a line of reasoning that resonates with a growing segment of the industry that views AI as a cost‑saving and creative‑enhancement technology. The controversy escalated when Sacco took to the social networking platform BlueSky over the weekend.
In her post, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She emphasized that she had been consistent from the outset in asserting the truth of her claims and that, in her view, the facts had now been corroborated. Sacco noted that Karch expressed a desire to "make it right" with her, though she admitted she was still uncertain about what that restitution would look like and needed time to consider it. Karch also issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, attempting to contextualise his earlier reaction. He admitted, "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 framed his outburst as a human mistake, adding, "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The episode highlights several broader themes that are currently shaping the video game industry. First, the use of AI for content creation—ranging from narrative writing to asset generation—has become increasingly common, yet many studios remain vague about the extent of its implementation. Transparency is a growing demand from both players and industry watchdogs, who worry that undisclosed AI usage could compromise artistic integrity, labor standards, and even legal compliance concerning copyright. Second, the dispute underscores the delicate balance between employing cutting‑edge technology and maintaining fair labor practices.
While AI can accelerate development cycles and reduce costs, it also raises questions about job security for creative professionals. Sacco’s claim that she was replaced by a machine sparked a debate about whether AI should be used as a supplement to human talent or as a direct substitute, especially in roles that involve nuanced storytelling and emotional resonance. Third, the public apology and the subsequent disclaimer illustrate a shift toward more accountable communication strategies. Companies are learning that swift, transparent responses can mitigate reputational damage, especially when accusations of unethical AI deployment surface on social media.
By publicly acknowledging the controversy and providing a concrete disclaimer, Saber Interactive appears to be attempting to rebuild trust with its community. From a consumer perspective, the inclusion of an AI disclaimer may influence purchasing decisions. Some players appreciate the potential for innovative gameplay experiences that AI can enable, while others remain skeptical, fearing that AI‑generated content might feel generic or lack the depth that human writers provide.
The disclaimer serves as a signal that the studio is aware of these concerns and is willing to be upfront about its development practices. Looking ahead, the outcome of this particular controversy could set a precedent for how other developers handle AI disclosures. Industry bodies may eventually establish guidelines or even regulatory requirements mandating clear labeling of AI‑generated content in games. Until such standards are formalised, individual studios will likely continue to navigate this terrain on a case‑by‑case basis, balancing the benefits of AI technology with the expectations of a community that values authenticity and ethical treatment of creators.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page, coupled with CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco, reflects a broader industry reckoning with the role of artificial intelligence in game development. The situation underscores the need for transparency, respectful labor practices, and thoughtful communication as studios integrate AI tools into their creative pipelines. Whether this episode will lead to lasting changes in policy or simply remain an isolated incident remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a notable chapter to the ongoing conversation about AI’s place in the future of gaming.