Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, publicly alleged that she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT. Sacco also hinted at other, undisclosed uses of AI within the game's creation, raising questions about transparency and labor practices in the industry. In response to the growing outcry, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a statement that both defended the company’s decisions and offered a candid, if somewhat contradictory, reflection on the incident.
Karch claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and went on to say that, looking back, he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." He further emphasized that the use of artificial intelligence in the game was a deliberate choice, describing it as a "plus for consumers" because it would help keep the title affordable. The full AI disclaimer now appearing on the Steam page 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." The notice is intended to inform potential buyers that portions of the game's narrative, marketing copy, or in‑game text may have been generated with the assistance of AI tools. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch admitted that he had never actually met Sacco.
"Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI model Claude as a humorous way to underline his unfamiliarity with the former writer.
He added that the company had already announced its intention to incorporate AI into certain aspects of the game and that a more detailed update to the Steam page would follow once the feature set was finalized. The situation escalated further 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 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." Her message suggested a willingness to move forward, but also highlighted the lingering uncertainty about what concrete steps would follow the apology. Karch later posted a separate comment on LinkedIn, where he tried to contextualise his earlier 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." This admission painted a picture of a leader who reacted impulsively under pressure, acknowledging his mistake while also framing it as an understandable human error. The broader industry reaction has been mixed.
Some observers argue that using AI for routine writing tasks can free up creative talent to focus on higher‑level storytelling, while others warn that replacing a human writer mid‑project sets a troubling precedent for employment stability and artistic integrity. Critics point out that the AI disclaimer, while a step toward transparency, arrives only after the controversy had already gained momentum, raising questions about whether the company is being proactive or merely reactive.
From a consumer perspective, the AI disclaimer may influence purchasing decisions. Players who value handcrafted narratives might feel uneasy about a game that leans heavily on machine‑generated content, whereas budget‑conscious gamers could appreciate the potential cost savings that AI integration promises. The disclaimer also serves as a legal safeguard, ensuring that the company is not accused of misleading customers about the nature of the game's development. In the weeks ahead, Saber Interactive is expected to provide further details about which specific elements of Rideshare Simulator were created with AI assistance.
This could include everything from in‑game dialogue and mission briefings to marketing descriptions and community updates. The company has indicated that a more comprehensive update to the Steam page will be made once the final feature list is locked down, suggesting that the current disclaimer is a placeholder rather than a final statement.
Overall, the episode underscores the growing pains of an industry grappling with the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. As studios experiment with AI tools to streamline production, they must also navigate the ethical and practical implications of replacing human contributors.
The case of Saber Interactive and Stella Sacco highlights the need for clear communication, fair labor practices, and thoughtful integration of technology so that both creators and consumers can benefit without compromising trust. The incident also serves as a reminder that leadership responses in the digital age are scrutinised in real time. Karch's public apology, his candid LinkedIn post, and the subsequent addition of an AI disclaimer illustrate a multi‑layered approach to damage control.
Whether these actions will be enough to restore confidence among the game's community remains to be seen, but they do signal a willingness to acknowledge missteps and attempt remediation. In summary, Saber Interactive has now placed an AI usage notice on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after allegations that a human writer was ousted and replaced with ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized, admitted to an impulsive reaction, and pledged further transparency about the game's AI components. The episode has sparked debate about the role of artificial intelligence in game development, the responsibilities of studios toward their staff, and the expectations of gamers regarding authenticity and disclosure.