Saber Interactive has taken the step of attaching an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The controversy centers on the departure of Stella Sacco, who served as a lead writer on the project from July 2023 until July 2024, and her allegation that she was removed halfway through development only to be replaced by a version of ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI usage within the game's creation. The official disclaimer, now visible to anyone browsing the Steam storefront, reads in full: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 to July 2024. Sacco asserts that she was taken off the Rideshare project midway through its development and that her responsibilities were subsequently assumed by ChatGPT, with additional, previously unannounced AI tools employed throughout the game's production." In a series of public statements, Karch attempted to clarify his side of the story.
He said that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, "I would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." He went on to explain that his knowledge of Sacco was limited, noting, "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 also confirmed that the studio had indeed been experimenting with artificial intelligence on certain portions of the game, promising to update the Steam page once the final AI‑related feature list was settled. "We view our use of AI in this particular title—an entry‑level, lower‑priced offering—as a benefit to the consumer," he said, framing the technology as a value‑add rather than a cost‑cutting measure. The dispute escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "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, for his part, issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his impulsive 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 incident raises broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, especially in narrative‑driven video games where writing is traditionally a highly personal and collaborative craft. Industry observers note that while AI can accelerate certain tasks—such as generating placeholder dialogue, creating variations of NPC banter, or assisting with localization—it also carries the risk of de‑valuing the contributions of professional writers. When a studio replaces a human writer with a language model without transparent communication, it can erode trust among staff and the gaming community.
Experts point out that the legal landscape around AI‑generated content remains murky. Copyright law in many jurisdictions still treats AI as a tool rather than an author, meaning that the original human creator retains rights to the output. However, the ethical dimension is more nuanced: replacing a writer mid‑project could be viewed as a breach of contract or as unfair labor practice, depending on the terms of employment and the extent to which AI was actually used.
Saber Interactive's decision to publish a disclaimer is a pragmatic move aimed at mitigating backlash. By openly acknowledging AI's presence, the company hopes to pre‑empt accusations of concealment. The disclaimer also serves as a signal to consumers that the final product may contain AI‑crafted narrative elements, which some players might find appealing for its novelty, while others may prefer wholly human‑written stories. In the weeks ahead, the studio is expected to clarify exactly which features of Rideshare Simulator involve AI.
Potential areas include procedural generation of city traffic patterns, dynamic dialogue for ride‑share passengers, and adaptive mission objectives that respond to player choices. If handled transparently, these integrations could showcase how AI can augment, rather than replace, human creativity. Meanwhile, the personal fallout between Karch and Sacco continues to unfold.
Sacco's acceptance of the apology does not necessarily imply reconciliation; she indicated she needs time to consider what "making it right" might entail. The situation underscores the importance of clear communication and respectful treatment of creative talent, especially as the industry navigates the rapid adoption of new technologies. Overall, the episode serves as a cautionary tale for developers considering AI as a shortcut in narrative design. Transparency, consent, and fair compensation remain critical, and companies that ignore these principles risk damaging their reputation, losing valuable staff, and facing public scrutiny.
Saber Interactive's AI disclaimer marks a step toward openness, but the broader conversation about AI ethics, labor rights, and artistic integrity is only just beginning.