Saber Interactive has taken the step of appending an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the studio had sidelined a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The controversy began when former employee Stella Sacco, who served as a lead writer on the project from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the development team midway through production and that her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT.
Sacco further suggested that additional, undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game's creation, raising concerns about transparency and the ethical treatment of creative staff. In reaction to these accusations, Saber Interactive’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a public statement attempting to clarify the situation. Karch asserted that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, somewhat controversially, that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." He went on to say that he had never personally met or spoken with Sacco, quipping, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." This remark was made during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where Karch also confirmed that the company was indeed using AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting that Rideshare Simulator would be a "lower priced title" and that integrating artificial‑intelligence tools could be seen as a value‑add for players. He suggested that the technology would help streamline development, reduce costs, and potentially improve the overall experience for gamers who purchase the game at a more accessible price point.
The dispute escalated when Sacco posted on the social media 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, for his part, posted a separate comment on LinkedIn in which he admitted to an emotional, impulsive reaction to the unfolding controversy.
"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 addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page is intended to provide transparency to potential buyers. The notice reads in full: "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 broader industry context is worth noting.
Over the past few years, game developers have increasingly experimented with AI tools for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to narrative drafting. While some studios tout the efficiency gains and creative possibilities offered by these technologies, others have faced backlash when AI use is perceived as a substitute for human talent, especially in roles that involve storytelling, character development, and world‑building. Critics argue that AI‑generated prose can lack the nuance, emotional depth, and cultural sensitivity that a seasoned writer brings to a project.
In response to the controversy, several industry observers have called for clearer guidelines on AI disclosure. They suggest that developers should explicitly state when AI has been used in marketing materials, in‑game dialogue, or other creative assets.
This would help maintain trust with both the gaming community and the professionals who contribute to game development. For Saber Interactive, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of communication and the handling of personnel matters. The company’s decision to publicly acknowledge the use of AI and to issue an apology—albeit a somewhat guarded one—signals an attempt to repair its reputation and to reassure players that the final product will meet quality expectations.
Looking ahead, the fate of Rideshare Simulator remains uncertain. The game is positioned as an affordable simulation experience, and its success may hinge on how well the developers can balance AI‑assisted features with authentic, human‑crafted content. If the AI disclaimer satisfies consumer curiosity and the game delivers a compelling experience, the controversy could fade. Conversely, if players feel that the AI integration compromises the game's narrative integrity, the backlash could extend beyond this single title, influencing broader discussions about AI ethics in the gaming industry.
In summary, Saber Interactive has placed an AI usage disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after allegations that a human writer was replaced by ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks, acknowledging that he reacted hastily to criticism. The incident highlights ongoing debates about AI transparency, the treatment of creative staff, and the evolving standards for ethical AI deployment in video game development.