Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a clear AI usage disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated debate erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT. Sacco also suggested that other, still‑undisclosed, AI tools had been employed throughout the game's creation.
In the wake of these accusations, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a public statement attempting to clarify the situation. Karch said that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the company had already been transparent about using AI for specific aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature list was locked down. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch made a somewhat flippant comment, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had no personal recollection of Sacco. He continued, "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. We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers." The dispute spilled onto social media over the weekend. On the micro‑blogging platform BlueSky, Sacco posted 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 added a separate comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. 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 highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative development. Game studios are increasingly turning to language models, image generators, and procedural tools to accelerate content creation, cut costs, and experiment with new design ideas. Proponents argue that AI can handle repetitive tasks, generate placeholder assets, or even suggest narrative branches, freeing human creators to focus on higher‑level storytelling and artistic direction.
Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may lead to the marginalisation of writers, artists, and other talent, especially when companies substitute human labor with cheap, automated solutions without proper attribution or compensation. In Saber Interactive’s case, the core of the grievance appears to be the alleged replacement of a human writer with a chatbot, an act that many in the community view as a breach of professional ethics. While Karch’s statement that he would have been comfortable using AI in hindsight does not directly address whether the original decision to replace Sacco was driven by cost, performance, or other factors, it does signal a willingness to accept AI as a legitimate tool in game development.
The addition of the Steam disclaimer serves both as a legal safeguard—ensuring that players are aware of AI‑generated content—and as a public relations move aimed at restoring trust among fans and industry peers. The apology from Karch, though brief, attempts to acknowledge the emotional fallout of his earlier remarks. By describing his reaction as a "triggered" and impulsive response, he frames the incident as a human error rather than a calculated corporate strategy.
Whether this explanation satisfies Sacco or the broader community remains uncertain. Some observers note that an apology without concrete actions—such as reinstating the writer, offering compensation, or establishing clear AI usage policies—may be viewed as insufficient. From a consumer perspective, the AI disclaimer could affect expectations about the game’s narrative quality and authenticity.
Players who value handcrafted storytelling might feel wary of a title that openly admits to using machine‑generated dialogue or quest text. Conversely, those who are curious about AI‑enhanced experiences may see the disclaimer as an invitation to explore a novel blend of human and artificial creativity. Looking ahead, the Rideshare Simulator controversy may prompt other developers to adopt more transparent AI disclosure practices. Industry bodies, such as the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), have begun discussing guidelines for ethical AI deployment, including requirements for crediting human contributors, documenting AI involvement, and providing opt‑out mechanisms for players who prefer entirely human‑crafted content.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI usage notice on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator follows a public dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco’s claim that she was supplanted by ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch’s subsequent comments and apology acknowledge a rushed, emotionally charged reaction, while also signalling a broader acceptance of AI tools in lower‑budget games. The episode underscores the need for clear communication, fair treatment of creative staff, and industry‑wide standards as artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly common component of video game production.