Saber Interactive has now posted an explicit AI usage disclaimer on the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated debate erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of artificial‑intelligence‑generated text. The notice, which appears prominently alongside the game’s description, is intended to clarify the studio’s stance on AI and to address the accusations that were levied by a former employee.
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." The background to the controversy centers on Stella Sacco, a writer who joined Saber Interactive in mid‑2023 and contributed to the narrative and dialogue elements of Rideshare Simulator. According to Sacco, midway through the project she was taken off the team and her responsibilities were handed over to the language model ChatGPT. She also suggested that additional, undisclosed AI tools had been employed elsewhere in the game's production pipeline, raising questions about transparency and the ethical treatment of creative staff. Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded publicly to these allegations.
He asserted that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added a candid, if somewhat unsettling, reflection: "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s remarks were captured in an interview with the YouTube series This Week In Videogames, where he further explained his lack of personal interaction with Sacco. "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI assistant Claude.
He went on to confirm that the studio was indeed employing AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he explained, suggesting that AI could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience. The dispute took another turn 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." Karch later issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. "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 episode highlights several broader industry trends. First, the increasing reliance on AI tools for content creation is prompting studios to reconsider how they credit and compensate human creators.
While AI can accelerate writing, localization, and even asset generation, the ethical line becomes blurred when a human writer is removed and replaced entirely by a machine. Second, the situation underscores the importance of transparent communication with both employees and the gaming community.
When allegations of AI substitution surface without clear disclosure, trust can erode quickly, leading to public backlash and reputational damage. For developers, the lesson is clear: if AI is being used in a visible capacity—whether for dialogue, quest design, or marketing copy—studios should be upfront about it from the outset. This not only respects the contributions of human staff but also gives players a realistic expectation of what they are purchasing. Moreover, companies should establish clear internal policies regarding when and how AI can replace or augment human work, ensuring that any transitions are handled fairly and with adequate notice.
From a legal perspective, the use of AI in creative roles raises questions about intellectual property ownership and labor rights. If an AI generates a piece of dialogue, who owns that text? Does the studio retain full rights, or does the AI provider have a claim?
These issues are still being hashed out in courts and industry forums, and cases like the Saber Interactive controversy may serve as precedents for future disputes. In conclusion, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam page reflects a growing awareness of the need for transparency in the age of machine‑generated content. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco, though belated, signals an attempt to mend fences and acknowledge missteps. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for other developers navigating the fine line between leveraging AI efficiency and maintaining ethical treatment of their creative workforce.
As AI continues to evolve, the gaming industry will likely see more guidelines and best‑practice frameworks emerge to balance innovation with respect for human talent.