Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store listing for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a key writer on the project in order to replace her work with text generated by AI tools such as ChatGPT. The full disclaimer now 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 controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who served as the lead writer for Rideshare Simulator during a crucial year of its creation, publicly alleged that she was taken off the project before its completion and that her responsibilities were handed over to an artificial‑intelligence system.
Sacco’s statements suggested that the studio had not only swapped her out but also relied on AI for other, undisclosed aspects of the game’s narrative and dialogue. Her claims quickly caught the attention of gaming journalists and fans, sparking a broader conversation about the ethical implications of using AI to replace human creatives in the video‑game industry.
CEO Matt Karch responded to the allegations in a series of interviews and social‑media posts. He initially defended the studio’s decision, asserting that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later." Karch also admitted that, looking back, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI if the circumstances had demanded it.
"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, referencing the AI model Claude as a tongue‑in‑cheek way of saying he was unfamiliar with the writer in question. Karch went on to explain that Saber Interactive had already been employing AI for certain non‑core elements of Rideshare Simulator, such as procedural generation of minor in‑game text, and that the studio intended to update the Steam page once the full feature set was finalized. He framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially for a lower‑priced title, arguing that automation could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience.
The situation took another turn when Sacco posted on the social 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 later issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama.
"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 episode has reignited a broader industry debate about the role of AI in creative workflows.
Advocates argue that AI can serve as a powerful tool for generating placeholder text, localizing content quickly, or assisting writers with brainstorming. Critics, however, warn that over‑reliance on AI could marginalize human talent, erode the quality of storytelling, and raise legal questions about authorship and copyright.
For Saber Interactive, the fallout has been both reputational and operational. By adding the AI disclaimer, the company aims to provide transparency to players who may be concerned about the authenticity of the game's narrative.
The disclaimer also serves as a pre‑emptive measure against potential regulatory scrutiny, as several jurisdictions are beginning to consider legislation that would require explicit labeling of AI‑generated content in media products. From a consumer perspective, the controversy underscores the importance of clear communication from developers.
Gamers who invest in a title often do so not only for gameplay mechanics but also for the story and world‑building crafted by human writers. When a studio signals that AI may have replaced a human author, it can affect player expectations and trust. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI usage policies and ensure that any future disclosures are made well before launch.
The company also hinted at possible internal reforms, such as establishing a dedicated ethics board to review AI applications and creating clearer contracts for writers that outline how AI tools may be employed alongside human creativity. In summary, the Rideshare Simulator controversy illustrates the delicate balance studios must strike between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and honoring the contributions of human creators.
While AI offers undeniable efficiencies, the backlash against Saber Interactive demonstrates that transparency, respect for talent, and thoughtful communication remain essential components of a healthy development ecosystem.