Saber Interactive has taken the step of inserting a formal AI usage disclaimer onto 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 move appears to be a direct response to a series of public statements made by the studio’s chief executive, Matt Karch, concerning the departure of former staff member Stella Sacco, who served as the game’s lead writer from July 2023 until July 2024. According to the newly added notice, the studio acknowledges that it employed artificial‑intelligence tools for certain portions of the game’s development and promises to update the Steam page once the full list of AI‑enhanced features is finalized.
The 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." The controversy began when Sacco publicly alleged that she was taken off the Rideshare project halfway through its production cycle and that her responsibilities were handed over to a version of ChatGPT. She further suggested that the studio had been using AI tools in other, undisclosed aspects of the game’s creation.
In response, Karch issued a statement that mixed denial, justification, and a hint of regret. He claimed that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, somewhat controversially, that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch seemed to double‑down on his position.
He said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," referencing the AI model Claude as a tongue‑in‑cheek way of indicating his lack of personal interaction with Sacco.
He went on to say, "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, arguing that "we look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." This line of reasoning suggests that the studio believes AI can reduce development costs, potentially allowing the final product to be sold at a more accessible price point, thereby delivering added value to players. The situation took another turn when Sacco posted on the social platform 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." Karch later added a separate public comment on LinkedIn, where he reflected on his own behavior. "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 admitted.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The exchange highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative fields.
On one side, developers argue that AI can accelerate content generation, help with localization, and free human writers to focus on higher‑level narrative design. On the other side, critics warn that reliance on AI may diminish the authenticity of storytelling, marginalize skilled writers, and raise ethical questions about attribution and compensation. For Saber Interactive, the controversy underscores the delicate balance between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and maintaining transparent, respectful relationships with staff. By publicly posting an AI disclaimer, the company is attempting to clarify its stance and possibly pre‑empt further backlash.
However, the apology from Karch, while a step toward reconciliation, also reveals the emotional volatility that can arise when public perception, internal personnel decisions, and emerging technologies intersect. Industry observers will be watching closely to see how Saber implements the promised AI features in Rideshare Simulator, how the final product is received by players, and whether the studio's approach sets a precedent for other developers navigating similar dilemmas. In the meantime, the episode serves as a reminder that communication—both internal and external—must be handled with care, especially when new technologies like AI are involved and when personal reputations are at stake.
In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to allegations of replacing a human writer with AI by adding a clear disclaimer to its Steam page, acknowledging the use of AI tools, and promising further updates. CEO Matt Karch has issued an apology to former writer Stella Sacco, acknowledging his impulsive reaction to criticism and expressing a desire to make amends. The episode reflects wider debates about AI's place in game development, the ethics of replacing human talent with machines, and the importance of transparent communication in the gaming community.