Saber Interactive has taken the step of attaching an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a key writer in favor of AI‑generated prose. The notice, now visible to all visitors of the game’s storefront, is intended to clarify the studio’s current stance on the use of AI tools in the development process and to address lingering questions about the circumstances surrounding the departure of former employee Stella Sacco.
The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project part‑way through development and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications used during the creation of the game.
In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by an individual he described as 'more talented' and that her employment was terminated for multiple reasons a few months after her removal. He also added that, in hindsight, he would have considered using AI to fill the vacancy." The statement continues, quoting Karch directly: "'Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her,' Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames. 'We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain components of the game and we will update the Steam page once the feature set is finalised.'" He further emphasized the studio’s perspective on the technology: "'We view our AI implementation in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers,' Karch said, indicating that the cost‑effective nature of the game aligns with the decision to integrate machine‑learning tools for text, dialogue, and possibly procedural content generation." The controversy resurfaced over the weekend when Sacco posted a message on the social‑media platform BlueSky, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "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, for his part, issued a separate public note on LinkedIn, attempting to contextualise his earlier 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 wrote. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The incident highlights a broader industry debate about the ethical and practical implications of AI in creative roles. As large language models such as ChatGPT become increasingly sophisticated, developers are grappling with questions of authorship, quality control, and the potential displacement of human talent. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the stakes were particularly high because the game is positioned as an affordable, niche experience that relies heavily on narrative depth to immerse players in the everyday challenges of a rideshare driver.
Industry observers note that the use of AI for scriptwriting and dialogue can offer speed and cost advantages, but it also raises concerns about the loss of nuance, cultural sensitivity, and the unique voice that a human writer brings to a project. Sacco’s allegations, whether fully accurate or partially mis‑remembered, have sparked a conversation among developers about transparent disclosure practices.
Some studios have already begun to label AI‑generated assets in their credits, while others remain silent, fearing backlash or competitive disadvantage. From a legal standpoint, the replacement of a writer with an algorithm could have contractual ramifications, especially if the original agreement specified a certain level of creative input or authorship rights. If a writer is dismissed and their duties are transferred to an AI, questions arise about ownership of the resulting text, the applicability of copyright law, and whether the writer is entitled to compensation for work that was effectively outsourced to a machine.
The public apology from Karch, though brief, may be an attempt to mitigate reputational damage and to signal that the studio is taking the criticism seriously. By acknowledging his impulsive reaction—"shot first and thought second"—he frames the incident as a human error rather than a calculated corporate policy. This language is reminiscent of crisis‑management tactics where admitting fault, however minor, can calm an angry audience and buy time for a more measured response.
For gamers and industry insiders alike, the key takeaway is that the intersection of AI and creative production is still evolving, and clear communication will be essential to maintain trust. Saber Interactive’s decision to post an AI disclaimer on the Steam page is a concrete step toward transparency, but the broader conversation about how and when to use AI, how to credit human contributors, and how to handle departures under such circumstances will likely continue. As the situation develops, fans of Rideshare Simulator can look forward to updates on the game's feature set, including how AI will be integrated into the final product.
Meanwhile, the episode serves as a cautionary tale for other studios navigating the delicate balance between technological innovation and the preservation of human talent in the storytelling process.