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 wave of controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The notice, now visible on the game’s page, acknowledges the use of AI tools in the development process and aims to provide transparency for players and observers who have been closely watching the dispute. The full wording of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the game’s creation.
In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by another individual he described as more talented and that she was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI. "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames.
"We have already announced that we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." "We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers," he continued. The dispute resurfaced over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, 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 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 admitted.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The controversy touches on broader industry debates about the role of AI in creative work. Over the past year, many game studios have begun experimenting with large language models to generate dialogue, quest descriptions, and even entire narrative arcs. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and enable smaller teams to produce content that would otherwise be out of reach.
Critics, however, warn that reliance on algorithms may undermine the value of human writers, lead to homogenized storytelling, and raise ethical concerns about attribution and compensation. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the stakes are particularly high because the game is marketed as a relatively affordable, niche simulation aimed at players interested in the logistics of ride‑hailing services. The developers have emphasized that the AI components are limited to specific, non‑narrative elements such as procedural traffic patterns and dynamic pricing algorithms.
Nonetheless, the allegation that a senior writer was removed and replaced by a chatbot struck a chord with the community, prompting calls for greater transparency. Industry observers note that the timing of Saber Interactive’s disclaimer is significant. By publicly acknowledging the use of AI and providing a clear statement about the circumstances surrounding Sacco’s departure, the company may be attempting to pre‑empt further backlash and comply with emerging regulations. Several jurisdictions are currently drafting legislation that would require explicit disclosure when AI‑generated content is presented to consumers, especially in interactive media.
From a human resources perspective, the situation also highlights the challenges studios face when integrating AI tools into existing workflows. Companies must decide whether to view AI as a supplement that augments a writer’s capabilities or as a replacement that can perform tasks more efficiently. The latter approach can lead to difficult personnel decisions, as illustrated by Sacco’s claim that she was removed in favor of a machine.
Matt Karch’s public apology, while earnest, leaves several unanswered questions. He has not detailed the specific reasons for Sacco’s termination beyond vague references to “a variety of reasons,” nor has he clarified the exact scope of AI usage beyond the general statement that it will be employed for “certain parts of the game.” Moreover, his admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—suggests a lapse in judgment that may have exacerbated the public relations fallout.
For players and fans, the key takeaway is that Rideshare Simulator will continue to be developed with a blend of human creativity and machine assistance. The Steam disclaimer serves as a formal acknowledgment that AI is part of the production pipeline, and it signals Saber Interactive’s willingness to be more forthcoming about its methods.
Whether this approach will satisfy critics remains to be seen, but it does set a precedent for other developers navigating the complex intersection of technology, labor, and transparency. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects a broader industry shift toward openness about machine‑generated content. CEO Matt Karch’s apology to former writer Stella Sacco underscores the human impact of these technological changes, while also highlighting the need for clear policies and communication strategies. As AI continues to evolve, game studios will likely face increasing scrutiny, making proactive disclosure and respectful treatment of creative staff essential components of sustainable development practices.