Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, by adding a prominent disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a key writer in favor of AI‑generated copy.
The situation has drawn considerable attention from both the gaming press and the broader community, prompting the company’s chief executive, Matt Karch, to address the controversy publicly and to extend an apology to the writer involved. The new AI disclaimer 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." By publishing this notice, Saber aims to be transparent about the role that machine‑learning tools played in the creation of certain narrative elements, marketing copy, and possibly in‑game dialogue.
The company emphasizes that the AI components are limited to specific, non‑core aspects of the experience and that the final product will still be shaped by human designers and artists. The controversy began when former writer Stella Sacco, who served as the lead narrative designer on Rideshare Simulator for roughly a year, publicly alleged that she was abruptly removed from the project and that her responsibilities were handed over to an AI system—specifically OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Sacco’s statements suggested that the decision was not only sudden but also motivated by cost‑cutting measures and a broader, undisclosed strategy to incorporate AI throughout the development pipeline. She further claimed that other, as‑yet‑unrevealed AI tools had been employed in the creation of assets, level design, and even gameplay mechanics.
In response, Matt Karch issued a statement defending the studio’s personnel decisions while also acknowledging the role of AI. He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s remarks were intended to clarify that the dismissal was not solely about AI substitution, but they also sparked additional criticism because they appeared to downplay the human element of the writing process. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated on his lack of direct interaction with Sacco, stating, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain that the studio had already announced the use of AI for certain parts of the game and that a revised Steam page would be posted once the feature set was finalized. According to Karch, the integration of AI in a lower‑priced title like Rideshare Simulator is intended to be a benefit for consumers, offering potentially richer content at a reduced price point.
The discussion took another turn when Sacco posted on the social network 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." Sacco’s message suggested a tentative reconciliation, though she emphasized that she needed time to consider what a satisfactory resolution might entail.
Karch later posted a separate comment on LinkedIn, offering a more personal reflection on the incident. He admitted, "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.
It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." This admission of impulsive reaction resonated with many observers who noted that leaders in tech and gaming are often under intense scrutiny and can react emotionally when faced with public criticism. The broader industry context is also worth noting.
The use of AI in game development has accelerated dramatically over the past few years, with studios experimenting with language models for dialogue generation, procedural content creation, and marketing copy. While some developers champion AI as a productivity booster that can free up human creators to focus on higher‑level design, others warn that over‑reliance on automated tools could erode the quality of storytelling and diminish job security for writers, artists, and programmers.
The Saber incident therefore serves as a microcosm of the larger debate about how AI should be ethically integrated into creative workflows. From a consumer perspective, the addition of the AI disclaimer on Steam is a step toward greater transparency. Players now have the option to see which parts of the game may have been assisted by AI, allowing them to make more informed purchasing decisions.
The disclaimer also sets a precedent for other developers who may be considering similar disclosures, especially as regulatory bodies in various jurisdictions begin to examine the ethical implications of AI‑generated content. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects both a response to public outcry and an acknowledgment of the evolving role of artificial intelligence in game creation. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former lead writer Stella Sacco marks an attempt to mend professional relationships and to demonstrate accountability.
The episode underscores the delicate balance studios must strike between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and preserving the human talent that gives games their soul. As the industry continues to navigate these challenges, transparency, open dialogue, and a commitment to ethical practices will likely become increasingly important for maintaining trust among creators, players, and the broader gaming community.