Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game’s creation. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools. The new notice, posted directly on the Steam page, is intended to provide transparency for players and to address the concerns raised by the controversy. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024.
According to Sacco, she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator development team midway through production and her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT, with additional, previously undisclosed AI assistance employed throughout the game's development. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by an individual he described as 'more talented' and that her contract was terminated a few months later for a variety of reasons. He added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable replacing 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." The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social network 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, in which he admitted, "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 highlights several broader issues that are currently shaping the video‑game industry. First, the integration of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models into creative pipelines is accelerating. Developers are increasingly leveraging these systems to generate dialogue, quest descriptions, item lore, and even whole narrative arcs.
Proponents argue that AI can speed up production, reduce costs, and allow smaller studios to compete with larger publishers. Critics, however, warn that reliance on machine‑generated text may dilute the artistic voice of human writers, lead to homogenized storytelling, and raise ethical questions about attribution and compensation. Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication and contractual clarity when AI is used in a collaborative environment.
In Sacco's case, the lack of transparent policies regarding AI substitution appears to have contributed to a breakdown of trust. Many industry observers suggest that studios should include explicit clauses in employment agreements that define when and how AI can be employed, what rights the original creator retains, and how credit will be allocated. Third, the public apology from a CEO illustrates the heightened scrutiny that corporate leaders face in the age of social media. When Karch described his reaction as "shooting first and thinking second," he acknowledged a lapse in judgment that resonated with many observers who have seen similar impulsive responses from executives under pressure.
His admission that he was "triggered" by later comments and his promise to rectify the situation may help mitigate reputational damage, but it also serves as a cautionary tale about the need for measured, thoughtful communication, especially when personnel matters become public. From a consumer perspective, the added AI disclaimer on Steam is a step toward greater transparency. Players who are concerned about the authenticity of narrative content now have a clear statement from the developer.
Some gamers may view the use of AI as a positive innovation that could result in more dynamic and responsive gameplay experiences, while others may feel uneasy about the potential loss of human craftsmanship. The disclaimer does not detail the specific AI features that will appear in Rideshare Simulator, but it promises an update once the feature set is finalized, indicating that the company plans to continue refining its approach.
Looking ahead, the industry is likely to see more formal guidelines emerging from bodies such as the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and various labor unions. These guidelines may address issues ranging from credit attribution for AI‑assisted work to standards for disclosing AI usage to players. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, the line between human‑written and machine‑generated content will blur, making clear labeling essential for maintaining trust. In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to place an AI usage notice on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an attempt to address community concerns and to be forthcoming about its development practices.
CEO Matt Karch's public apology to former writer Stella Sacco adds a human dimension to the story, emphasizing the importance of respectful treatment of staff and careful communication. The incident serves as a microcosm of the larger debate surrounding AI in game development, highlighting both the opportunities for efficiency and the challenges related to ethics, transparency, and creative integrity.