Saber Interactive has taken the step of appending an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current and planned use of machine‑learning tools in the development process and to address concerns raised by the gaming community and industry observers. The full wording of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, concerning former staff member Stella Sacco, 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 production and that her responsibilities were subsequently assumed by the language model ChatGPT.
She also claims that additional, undisclosed AI technologies were employed during the game’s creation." In the wake of these allegations, Karch offered a public response. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s comments were captured in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he further explained his lack of personal familiarity with Sacco: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." Karch also emphasized that the studio had already disclosed its intention to incorporate AI in certain aspects of the game. "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set," he said.
He framed the technology as a consumer benefit, noting that "we look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." The controversy intensified when Sacco took to the social platform BlueSky over the weekend to share her perspective. In her post, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "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 posted a separate statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding debate.
"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 touches on several broader themes that are currently reshaping the video‑game industry. First, the rise of large‑language models such as ChatGPT, Claude, and others has prompted studios to experiment with AI‑generated dialogue, narrative design, and even code. While these tools can accelerate production and reduce costs, they also raise ethical questions about authorship, credit, and the potential displacement of creative talent.
Sacco’s claim that she was removed from the project and supplanted by a machine‑learning system exemplifies the fear that human writers may be sidelined in favor of cheaper, faster alternatives. Second, the episode highlights the importance of transparency. By adding the AI disclaimer to the Steam page, Saber Interactive is attempting to pre‑empt further backlash and comply with emerging expectations that developers disclose the extent of AI involvement. Some platforms, such as Epic Games Store, have already introduced policies requiring clear labeling of AI‑generated content.
Steam, while not yet mandating such disclosures, has become a de‑facto arena where developers must manage community perception directly. Third, the situation underscores the human element of corporate communication. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—reveals how quickly emotions can shape public statements, especially when a company’s reputation is at stake.
His willingness to apologize publicly, both on BlueSky (via Sacco’s post) and on LinkedIn, may help mitigate damage, but it also serves as a reminder that leaders must balance swift response with measured deliberation. From a legal standpoint, there are no known lawsuits filed against Saber Interactive regarding the alleged replacement of a writer with AI. However, labor law experts note that if a company were to terminate an employee solely to substitute AI, it could raise claims of wrongful dismissal or discrimination, depending on jurisdiction and the specifics of the employment contract.
Industry observers are watching the case closely because it could set a precedent for how other studios handle AI integration. Some developers have embraced a hybrid model, pairing human writers with AI tools to generate drafts that are later refined by creative staff.
Others have taken a more cautious stance, limiting AI use to non‑narrative elements such as texture generation or testing scripts. The outcome of Saber’s controversy may influence whether studios adopt stricter internal policies or opt for greater public disclosure. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page follows a series of public statements and apologies from CEO Matt Karch after former writer Stella Sacco alleged that she was dismissed and replaced by ChatGPT. The episode has sparked discussion about the ethical, legal, and practical implications of AI in game development, the necessity for transparent communication, and the human cost of rapid technological adoption.
As the industry continues to explore the balance between innovative automation and preserving creative talent, the Saber case will likely be cited as a cautionary example of how not to manage personnel changes and public relations in the age of artificial intelligence.