Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront 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 that erupted when former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was removed from the project midway through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by a version of ChatGPT. Sacco also alleged that the studio had employed other, undisclosed AI tools throughout the creation of the game. The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "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." In a series of public statements, Karch attempted to address the controversy.
He first said that Sacco had "been replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." He then went on to say, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames. Karch emphasized that the studio had already disclosed that AI would be employed for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. "We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for consumers," Karch continued.
The CEO framed the technology as a cost‑saving measure that could potentially lower the retail price and allow the team to focus on other creative elements. The dispute 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'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 public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the situation. "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 controversy highlights several broader industry trends.
First, the use of AI-generated text, art, and code is becoming increasingly common in game development, prompting studios to grapple with questions of transparency, credit, and ethical responsibility. While AI can accelerate content creation and reduce costs, it also raises concerns about the displacement of human talent and the quality of narrative work. In Sacco's case, her claim that a human writer was removed in favor of a language model sparked a debate about whether studios should disclose AI involvement up front and how they should compensate or acknowledge the contributions of displaced staff. Second, the episode underscores the importance of clear communication between leadership and the public.
Karch's admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—suggests a lapse in crisis management that could have been avoided with a more measured response. By publicly acknowledging his mistake and offering an apology, he attempts to rebuild trust, but the damage to the studio's reputation may linger, especially among writers and creators who fear similar treatment.
Third, the situation raises legal and contractual questions. If a writer is terminated and replaced by an AI system, what obligations does the employer have regarding severance, intellectual property rights, and credit for the work produced?
While no lawsuits have been filed yet, the scenario could set a precedent for future disputes as AI tools become more sophisticated. From a consumer perspective, the AI disclaimer on Steam serves to inform potential buyers that some portions of the game's dialogue, mission descriptions, or marketing copy may have been generated by artificial intelligence.
This transparency aligns with emerging industry guidelines that encourage developers to label AI‑generated content, helping players make informed choices about the products they purchase. In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to add an AI usage notice to Rideshare Simulator's Steam page reflects a growing need for openness about how artificial intelligence is integrated into game creation. CEO Matt Karch's public apology to former writer Stella Sacco acknowledges a mishandled communication process, while also highlighting the tension between cost‑saving technology and the preservation of human creative roles. As the gaming community continues to watch how studios navigate these challenges, the incident may serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, respectful treatment of staff, and thoughtful crisis response in an era where AI is becoming an integral part of the development toolbox.