Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its upcoming 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 public dispute involving former staff writer Stella Sacco, who claimed she was removed from the project midway and substituted with content generated by ChatGPT, as well as allegations that other, still‑undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the creation process. The full disclaimer now displayed on the Steam page reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning the involvement of writer Stella Sacco on the Rideshare Simulator project. Ms.
Sacco was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. According to her account, she was taken off the project during development and her responsibilities were handed over to an AI language model, specifically ChatGPT. She also alleges that additional, unannounced AI technologies were used in other aspects of the game's production." In his public response, Karch attempted to clarify the situation. He said that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "In hindsight, I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI if the circumstances called for it." He further explained to the podcast This Week In Videogames that he had never actually met or spoken with Sacco, stating, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." Karch also emphasized that the company has already been transparent about its use of AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set is locked down. He framed the AI integration as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We view our AI usage in this particular game as a plus for players," he said. The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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 issued a separate statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. "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 incident shines a spotlight on a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative fields. Game developers have increasingly turned to large language models for tasks ranging from drafting dialogue to generating procedural content.
Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production timelines, reduce costs, and enable smaller studios to punch above their weight. Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may undermine the value of human writers, artists, and designers, potentially leading to job displacement and a dilution of creative authenticity. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the AI disclaimer serves multiple purposes.
First, it provides transparency for consumers who may be concerned about the provenance of the game's narrative and dialogue. Second, it attempts to mitigate any legal or reputational risk associated with claims that the company concealed AI usage. Finally, it positions Saber Interactive as a company willing to engage in the ongoing dialogue about ethical AI deployment. From a legal standpoint, the use of AI‑generated text can raise questions about copyright ownership.
In many jurisdictions, works created solely by an algorithm may not qualify for traditional copyright protection, leaving the responsibility for any infringement or plagiarism squarely on the human overseer. By publicly acknowledging AI involvement, Saber may be pre‑emptively addressing potential intellectual property disputes. The human element of the controversy—namely, the personal fallout between Karch and Sacco—also underscores the importance of clear communication and respectful treatment of staff. Sacco's claim that she was removed without adequate explanation and replaced by a machine sparked a backlash that forced the company's leadership to confront both the practical and ethical dimensions of AI integration.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI strategy for Rideshare Simulator and future projects. The company plans to finalize the feature set before the next update to the Steam page, ensuring that players have a comprehensive view of what aspects of the game are human‑crafted versus AI‑assisted. This approach may become a template for other studios navigating the fine line between innovation and transparency.
In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects a response to public scrutiny over alleged AI replacement of a human writer, an apology from CEO Matt Karch for his impulsive remarks, and a broader industry reckoning with how artificial intelligence should be disclosed and ethically employed in game development. The situation remains fluid, with both parties indicating a willingness to move forward, albeit cautiously, as the industry continues to grapple with the evolving role of AI in creative production.