Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a formal 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 removed a human writer from the project and substituted her work with text generated by AI tools.
The full text of the newly added disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms. Sacco alleges that she was taken off the Rideshare Simulator team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI‑driven processes used during development.
In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by an individual he describes as more talented and that her employment was terminated for a range of reasons a few months later. He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI‑generated content." The controversy began when Sacco took to the social‑media platform BlueSky to detail her experience.
She claimed that after a year of working on the simulation, she was abruptly removed from the project and that the studio opted to rely on ChatGPT for narrative and dialogue tasks. Sacco also suggested that other, still‑unannounced, AI tools had been employed throughout the game’s creation, raising concerns about transparency and the treatment of creative staff. Matt Karch, the company’s chief executive, responded publicly, stating that the decision to replace Sacco was based on a belief that a different writer could bring additional talent to the table. He also noted that the termination occurred for “a variety of reasons” a few months after the replacement.
In a conversation with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch admitted, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain that Saber Interactive had already disclosed the use of AI for certain components of the game and that a more detailed update would appear on the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. Karch framed the incorporation of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title.
He argued that leveraging AI could reduce development costs and potentially lower the final price for players, presenting the technology as a value‑adding feature rather than a cost‑cutting measure that undermines human creativity. The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on BlueSky 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." In a separate LinkedIn comment, Karch elaborated on his emotional state during the fallout. "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 confessed. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." This candid admission highlighted the pressure that public figures in the gaming industry can face when controversies erupt on social media, where rapid reactions often precede careful deliberation.
The episode underscores a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in game development. As tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models become more sophisticated, studios are increasingly experimenting with them for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to writing quest dialogue and marketing copy.
Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, free human creators to focus on higher‑level design, and enable smaller teams to deliver richer experiences. Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may marginalize writers, artists, and other creative professionals, leading to job displacement and a dilution of artistic voice. Transparency is a key point of contention. Players and industry observers alike expect clear communication about how AI is used, especially when it replaces human labor.
In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive’s decision to add a disclaimer can be seen as an effort to restore trust and comply with emerging best practices. Some analysts suggest that future regulations may require explicit labeling of AI‑generated content, similar to disclosure laws in other media sectors. For Sacco, the experience has been both professionally and personally taxing. She has indicated that she will take time to consider the next steps, acknowledging Karch’s apology but also emphasizing the need for concrete actions that address the underlying issues she raised.
Whether this will result in a settlement, a public statement, or changes to the studio’s hiring and development policies remains to be seen. From a consumer perspective, the controversy may influence purchasing decisions. Players who value authentic, human‑crafted narratives might be wary of titles that heavily rely on AI, while others may be indifferent as long as the final product delivers enjoyable gameplay. The situation also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of game publishers when integrating emerging technologies.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects a growing need for openness about the tools used in modern game creation. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco highlights the personal dimension of these debates, reminding the industry that behind every policy decision are real people whose careers and reputations can be affected. As AI continues to evolve, the gaming community will likely see more discussions, guidelines, and possibly legislation aimed at balancing innovation with fair treatment of creative talent.