Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal AI disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had sidelined a human writer in favor of artificial‑intelligence‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game's product page, is intended to clarify the studio’s approach to AI tools and to address the concerns raised by former employee Stella Sacco, who alleges she was removed from the project and substituted with content produced by ChatGPT. The full text of the newly posted 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.
In response, Karch stated that Sacco was 'replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later,' and added that 'in retrospect [he] would have been happy to replace her with AI.'" The statement continues with Karch’s own words captured during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her.
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. We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a benefit for consumers." The controversy deepened when Sacco posted on the social network 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 public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own 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. It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The episode touches on several broader industry trends. First, the use of AI‑generated text, images, and even code is becoming increasingly common in game development, especially for projects with limited budgets or tight timelines.
Studios argue that AI can accelerate content creation, reduce costs, and allow small teams to produce richer experiences. Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may undermine the role of skilled writers, artists, and programmers, potentially leading to homogenised or lower‑quality output. In Sacco’s case, the allegation that a seasoned writer was replaced by a language model sparked a debate about whether AI should ever be used as a direct substitute for human creativity. Second, the incident highlights the importance of transparent communication with both employees and the public.
When a high‑profile dispute surfaces, the way a company frames its response can affect its reputation, employee morale, and consumer trust. By adding the disclaimer, Saber Interactive is attempting to be forthright about the extent of AI integration in Rideshare Simulator, signaling that the technology is part of the development pipeline rather than a hidden shortcut.
Third, the personal dimension of the conflict underscores how quickly professional disagreements can become emotionally charged. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—offers a candid glimpse into the pressures executives face when navigating public criticism. His willingness to apologize publicly, while also emphasizing his humanity, may help to defuse some of the backlash, but it also raises questions about accountability and the standards to which leaders are held.
From a consumer perspective, the AI disclaimer may influence purchasing decisions. Some players appreciate the novelty and potential cost savings that AI can bring, especially for a lower‑priced title like Rideshare Simulator.
Others worry that AI‑generated dialogue or narrative could feel generic, lacking the nuance that a dedicated writer provides. By explicitly stating the role AI plays, Saber gives gamers the information they need to make an informed choice. The broader conversation about AI in gaming is still evolving. Industry bodies, unions, and advocacy groups are beginning to draft guidelines for ethical AI use, emphasizing the need for clear attribution, consent, and fair compensation when AI tools are employed.
Cases like this one may serve as precedents that shape future policies, encouraging studios to adopt transparent labeling practices and to involve human creators in oversight roles. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI usage disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator is a direct response to a controversy involving former writer Stella Sacco’s claim that she was replaced by ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks, acknowledging that his reaction was driven by emotion rather than measured deliberation.
The situation reflects larger industry dynamics surrounding AI adoption, the necessity of clear communication, and the human element inherent in creative work. As the gaming community continues to grapple with these issues, both developers and players will likely watch closely to see how transparency and accountability evolve in the age of artificial intelligence.