Saber Interactive has taken the step of appending an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated copy. The move is intended to clarify the studio’s stance on AI usage and to address the public outcry that followed statements made by the firm’s chief executive, Matt Karch. The full text of the newly added disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 to July 2024. 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 throughout the game's creation." In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Karch responded to Sacco’s allegations by asserting that she had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added that, in hindsight, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." He further claimed that he had never personally met or spoken with Sacco, saying, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during a conversation with the podcast This Week In Videogames. Karch also reiterated that the studio was already employing AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. "We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be positioned as a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for consumers," Karch explained, positioning the technology as a value‑add rather than a cost‑cutting measure.
The dispute took a more personal turn when Sacco posted on the social‑networking 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, for his part, issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn in which he admitted that his reaction to the controversy had been impulsive. "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." The controversy touches on several broader industry debates. First, the ethical implications of replacing human writers with generative AI tools remain hotly contested.
While AI can accelerate content creation and reduce costs, critics argue that it can also dilute creative authenticity and marginalise skilled professionals. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the allegation that a writer was removed mid‑project and supplanted by ChatGPT raises questions about transparency, contractual obligations, and the respect owed to creative talent. Second, the incident highlights the importance of clear communication from leadership during a crisis. Karch’s admission that he reacted emotionally and his subsequent apology illustrate a common pattern: executives sometimes respond defensively before fully assessing the facts, which can exacerbate public backlash.
By acknowledging his misstep and promising to correct the record, Karch is attempting to rebuild trust with both the affected writer and the broader gaming community. Third, the addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam page is a noteworthy step for the industry. Steam, as a major distribution platform, has begun to require developers to disclose the use of AI in their games, reflecting growing consumer interest in how games are made. By complying with this requirement, Saber Interactive not only adheres to platform policy but also signals a willingness to be more transparent about its development processes.
From a legal perspective, the situation could have ramifications for employment contracts that include clauses about intellectual property and attribution. If a writer’s contributions are replaced by AI‑generated text, the question arises whether the original writer retains any rights to the content or whether the studio can claim full ownership of the AI output. While the specifics of Sacco’s contract have not been made public, the dispute underscores the need for clear terms regarding AI usage in future agreements.
The broader gaming community has reacted with a mixture of sympathy for the writer and curiosity about the practical impact of AI on game design. Some developers have voiced support for AI as a tool that can augment human creativity, while others caution against over‑reliance, warning that it may lead to homogenised narratives and a loss of distinctive voice. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page is a direct response to a controversy that began with allegations of a writer being dismissed and replaced by ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his impulsive remarks, acknowledging that he was "triggered" and reacted without full deliberation. The episode shines a light on the evolving conversation about AI ethics in game development, the responsibilities of studio leadership during public disputes, and the growing demand for transparency from both consumers and platforms. As the industry continues to integrate AI technologies, cases like this will likely serve as reference points for how studios balance efficiency, creativity, and respect for the human talent that traditionally drives game storytelling.