Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated debate erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s page, seeks to clarify the studio’s stance on AI usage and to address the controversy that erupted when former writer Stella Sacco alleged she was removed from the project and substituted with content produced by ChatGPT.
The full 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 response, Karch stated that Sacco was 'replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later,' and added that 'in retrospect [he] would have been happy to replace her with AI.'" Karch’s remarks continued, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he told the podcast This Week In Videogames. "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.
We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." The dispute intensified when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, 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. "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 episode highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of generative AI in game development. Over the past year, many studios have experimented with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models to draft dialogue, generate quest descriptions, or even prototype narrative arcs. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and free human writers to focus on higher‑level creative decisions.
Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may erode the quality of storytelling, diminish employment opportunities for skilled writers, and raise ethical concerns about transparency and attribution. In Saber’s case, the core of the controversy revolves around whether Sacco was genuinely replaced by an AI system or whether the company simply used AI to supplement her work.
Sacco’s tenure at the studio, from July 2023 to July 2024, coincided with the early phases of Rideshare Simulator’s development, a period during which the team was reportedly refining the game's core mechanics and narrative framework. According to her statements, she was removed from the project midway and her responsibilities were handed over to a chatbot, a claim that the CEO initially dismissed as inaccurate. When Karch later admitted that he would have been "happy to replace her with AI" in hindsight, the comment was interpreted by many observers as an admission that the studio considered AI a viable substitute for a human writer. This admission, combined with his earlier assertion that he had never met Sacco, added fuel to the fire, prompting calls for greater transparency from the developer.
The newly added Steam disclaimer now serves as a formal acknowledgment that AI tools were indeed employed in the creation of certain game elements. While the notice does not detail exactly which parts of the game were generated by AI, it signals an attempt by Saber Interactive to align with emerging best practices that recommend clear labeling of AI‑generated content.
Such practices are being advocated by industry groups and consumer advocacy organizations, which argue that players have a right to know when a narrative or dialogue is produced by an algorithm rather than a human author. Beyond the immediate fallout, the incident may have longer‑term implications for how studios negotiate contracts with writers. Many modern employment agreements now include clauses addressing AI usage, stipulating that any AI‑generated material must be disclosed and that writers retain rights over their original contributions.
In light of the public dispute, it is plausible that Saber Interactive will revisit its internal policies, potentially instituting stricter guidelines for AI integration and clearer communication channels between management and creative staff. From a consumer perspective, the controversy also raises questions about the perceived value of a "lower‑priced title" that incorporates AI.
Karch suggested that using AI could be a benefit for players, perhaps by allowing the studio to allocate resources elsewhere, such as polishing gameplay or adding more content. However, some gamers worry that cost savings achieved through AI might translate into a less nuanced or emotionally resonant experience, especially in a simulation game where narrative authenticity can be a key selling point. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to post an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects both a response to specific allegations made by former writer Stella Sacco and a broader industry trend toward greater openness about AI involvement. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology and his candid admission of an impulsive reaction illustrate the human side of corporate communication in the age of rapid, technology‑driven change.
As the gaming community continues to grapple with the balance between innovation and artistic integrity, this episode serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of clear, honest dialogue between studios, their staff, and the players who ultimately experience the final product.