Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy surrounding allegations that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of AI‑generated text. The move appears to be a direct response to public criticism and internal statements made by the studio’s chief executive, Matt Karch, concerning the departure of former staff member Stella Sacco. The new disclaimer, which now appears prominently on the game’s Steam page, reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments from Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch regarding former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed uses of artificial intelligence throughout the game’s creation." In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Karch attempted to clarify the situation. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, in hindsight, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s comments sparked further debate about the ethics of using AI in creative roles, especially when it involves displacing human contributors. During an episode of the podcast "This Week In Videogames," Karch was asked directly about Sacco’s involvement. He responded with a degree of sarcasm, saying, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed its intention to incorporate AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting that Rideshare Simulator would be a lower‑priced title and that AI integration could be seen as a value‑adding feature for players. The controversy intensified over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social‑networking platform BlueSky.
In her message, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "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 own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama.
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 raises several broader questions about the role of artificial intelligence in game development. On one hand, AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other language models can accelerate content creation, generate dialogue, and even assist with design documentation.
On the other hand, the substitution of a human writer with an algorithm—especially without transparent communication—can be perceived as a devaluation of creative labor and a breach of trust between developers and their staff. Industry observers note that the use of AI is becoming increasingly common across the entertainment sector. Studios are experimenting with AI‑driven asset generation, procedural narrative systems, and automated testing.
However, the ethical framework governing these practices is still evolving. Many professionals argue that AI should augment, not replace, human creators, and that clear attribution and consent are essential when AI‑generated material is incorporated into a final product.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as an affordable, niche simulation that aims to capture the day‑to‑day experience of ride‑hailing drivers. By labeling the title as a "lower priced" offering, Saber Interactive appears to be positioning AI usage as a cost‑saving measure that could ultimately benefit consumers through a lower price point. Critics, however, contend that cost savings should not come at the expense of fair labor practices or artistic integrity. The public apology from Karch, while a step toward reconciliation, leaves several unresolved issues.
Sacco’s acceptance of the apology does not necessarily imply that the underlying grievances have been fully addressed. Questions remain about whether any compensation or credit will be provided for the work she performed before her departure, and how the studio plans to handle AI integration moving forward. For gamers and industry watchers alike, the incident serves as a reminder that transparency is crucial when new technologies intersect with creative workforces. As AI continues to mature, studios will need to develop clear policies that balance efficiency gains with respect for the individuals who bring games to life.
The Saber Interactive saga may become a case study in how not to manage AI adoption, highlighting the importance of communication, ethical considerations, and the human element in the ever‑changing landscape of video game development.