Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam 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 erupted when former staff member Stella Sacco claimed that the company had dismissed her mid‑project and substituted her work with text generated by ChatGPT, as well as employing other undisclosed AI tools throughout the creation process. The full disclaimer now displayed on the Steam store reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Saco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project part‑way through development and that her responsibilities were taken over by an AI language model. She also alleges additional, previously unannounced, AI usage in the game's production." In a public response, Karch attempted to clarify the situation.
He said that Sacco "was replaced by someone he considered more talented and was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "In hindsight, I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI if the circumstances had called for it." During an interview with the video‑game podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or even seen her in person. We have already disclosed that we are using AI for certain aspects of the game, and we will update the Steam page once the feature set is finalised." He continued, "We view our use of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a benefit for consumers, giving them a more polished experience at a reduced cost." The controversy took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "I have stood firm from the beginning that I was telling the truth; I think we can all now agree that it has been borne out.
Matt expressed a desire to make things right with me; at this time I don’t really know what that looks like for me, and I’ll need to take some time to consider it, but I do at least accept his apology." Karch also 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 situation." The incident highlights a growing tension in the video‑game industry between traditional creative roles and the increasing adoption of AI tools.
Developers argue that AI can accelerate content creation, reduce costs, and allow smaller teams to produce larger‑scale experiences. Critics, however, worry that reliance on AI could marginalise writers, artists, and other creative professionals, potentially leading to job displacement and a dilution of artistic authenticity.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as an affordable, niche title that simulates the day‑to‑day operations of a rideshare driver. By leveraging AI for tasks such as dialogue generation, mission scripting, and even some environmental descriptions, Saber Interactive hopes to keep the price point low while still delivering a rich, immersive experience. The company claims that the AI‑generated elements are carefully reviewed and edited by human staff to ensure quality and consistency.
Nevertheless, Sacco’s allegations raise important questions about transparency. When a studio publicly acknowledges AI usage, it sets expectations for how that technology is integrated.
If a writer is removed and replaced by an algorithm without clear communication, it can be perceived as a breach of trust, both within the development team and among the game's community. Industry observers note that this is not the first time a major studio has faced scrutiny over AI. Earlier this year, several publishers were investigated after reports surfaced that they had used AI to generate in‑game text, character names, and even concept art without crediting the technology.
Some unions representing writers and artists have begun drafting guidelines that would require explicit disclosure of AI involvement in creative projects. From a legal perspective, the use of AI in copyrighted works remains a gray area.
While AI can produce text that resembles human writing, the underlying model is trained on vast amounts of existing content, raising concerns about potential infringement. Companies like Saber Interactive must navigate these murky waters, balancing innovation with respect for intellectual property rights. For gamers, the practical impact of AI integration may be subtle. Players might notice more polished dialogue, fewer grammatical errors, or a broader variety of mission scenarios.
However, they may also detect a certain uniformity in tone or a lack of the nuanced humor that a seasoned writer could provide. The key, according to many developers, is to use AI as a tool—not a replacement—for human creativity. As the situation continues to unfold, both parties appear to be seeking a path forward.
Sacco’s acceptance of Karch’s apology suggests a willingness to move beyond the conflict, though she remains uncertain about what concrete restitution might look like. Meanwhile, Saber Interactive has pledged to keep its community informed about any further AI‑related updates to Rideshare Simulator, promising greater transparency in future releases.
The episode serves as a case study for the broader industry, illustrating both the potential benefits and the ethical challenges of integrating AI into game development. It underscores the need for clear communication, fair treatment of creative staff, and thoughtful policies that address the evolving relationship between human creators and machine‑generated content.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam page, coupled with CEO Matt Karch’s public apology, reflects an emerging reality in the gaming world: AI is becoming an integral part of the production pipeline, but its use must be managed responsibly. The dialogue between the studio and former writer Stella Sacco highlights the importance of transparency, respect for creative contributors, and the ongoing conversation about how best to harness AI without compromising the human element that lies at the heart of compelling interactive experiences.