Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, by adding a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. This move comes after a heated dispute erupted when former staff member Stella Sacco claimed that the company had dismissed her from the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by ChatGPT, as well as hinted at other undisclosed AI applications throughout the production pipeline. 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 the wake of Sacco’s allegations, Karch publicly addressed the situation, asserting that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and adding a somewhat surprising remark that, in hindsight, "he would have been happy to replace her with AI." He elaborated further in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her.
We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI 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 implication is that AI tools can reduce production costs, potentially allowing the final product to be offered at a more affordable price point while still delivering a polished experience. The controversy escalated over the weekend when Sacco posted a message on the social platform BlueSky, stating 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 issued a separate statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. He wrote, "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." The episode raises several broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, especially video game development. On one hand, developers argue that AI can accelerate tasks such as writing dialogue, generating placeholder art, or even assisting with level design, thereby freeing human talent to focus on higher‑level creative decisions. On the other hand, critics worry that reliance on AI could marginalise writers, artists, and other creators whose livelihoods depend on the nuanced, human touch that machines struggle to replicate.
In the specific case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as a more budget‑friendly offering within Saber’s portfolio. By leveraging AI tools, the studio hopes to keep production costs low without sacrificing the core gameplay experience.
This strategy mirrors a growing trend in the industry where mid‑tier and indie studios experiment with AI to stay competitive against larger publishers. Nevertheless, the ethical dimension cannot be ignored. Sacco’s claim that she was removed mid‑development and supplanted by a language model touches on concerns about transparency and consent. Employees and the public alike are increasingly demanding that companies disclose when AI is used, particularly when it replaces human labor.
The addition of the disclaimer on Steam can be seen as Saber’s attempt to meet those expectations, though some observers argue that a simple notice is insufficient without a deeper conversation about fair labor practices. The fallout also highlights the importance of communication style in crisis management.
Karch’s admission that he "shot first and thought second" suggests a reactive, emotionally driven response rather than a measured, strategic one. While his subsequent apology and willingness to make amends may help mend the relationship with Sacco, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for executives navigating public controversies in the digital age.
Looking ahead, the industry will likely see more companies adopt AI‑assisted workflows, prompting regulatory bodies and professional guilds to consider new guidelines. For developers, the challenge will be to balance efficiency gains with respect for the creative contributions of their teams. For consumers, greater transparency may become a deciding factor when choosing which games to support.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects both a response to a specific personnel dispute and a broader shift toward AI integration in game development. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco underscores the personal and professional complexities that arise when technology, labor, and communication intersect. The situation remains fluid, and both the studio and its audience will be watching closely to see how the promised "right" actions materialize and whether the use of AI will ultimately enhance or undermine the creative integrity of the final product.