Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated copy. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the extent to which machine‑learning tools were employed during development and to address the accusations that a former employee was unfairly replaced. The full text of the 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 studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its production and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used in the creation of the game." In the wake of Sacco’s statements, Karch issued a public response that attempted to counter the allegations.
He claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and went on to say that, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He further added that the studio had already disclosed its intention to incorporate AI in certain aspects of the title and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. "We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers," Karch told the video‑game news outlet This Week In Videogames. During a subsequent interview, Karch admitted that he had never actually spoken to or even met Sacco.
"Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referring to the AI chatbot Claude. This remark underscored the growing tension between the human staff and the emerging reliance on language models for content creation.
The controversy continued to unfold on social media. Over the weekend, Sacco posted on the BlueSky platform 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 also took to LinkedIn to offer a more detailed explanation of his reaction.
"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 incident raises several broader questions about the role of AI in game development, especially for narrative‑driven titles.
While AI can accelerate the creation of dialogue, item descriptions, and even procedural story elements, the replacement of a dedicated writer with a language model can be perceived as devaluing human creativity and labor. Critics argue that AI‑generated text often lacks the nuance, emotional depth, and contextual awareness that a seasoned writer brings to a project.
Supporters, however, point out that AI can serve as a powerful tool for brainstorming, rapid iteration, and handling repetitive writing tasks, thereby freeing human writers to focus on higher‑level storytelling. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as a lower‑cost experience, which Karch suggested might justify a more aggressive use of AI to keep production costs down while still delivering a polished product.
He framed the AI integration as a "plus for consumers," implying that the savings could be passed on to players in the form of a lower price point or additional content. This argument mirrors a growing trend in the industry where studios market AI‑assisted development as a cost‑effective measure, often without fully disclosing the extent of the technology’s involvement. From an ethical standpoint, transparency is a key concern.
Players who purchase a game expecting original, human‑crafted narrative may feel misled if a substantial portion of the content was produced by an algorithm. Moreover, the treatment of staff members who raise concerns about AI usage can affect workplace morale and public perception.
Sacco’s claim that she was removed from the project and later terminated adds a personal dimension to the debate, highlighting the potential human cost of rapid automation. The broader gaming community has responded with a mixture of support for the writer and skepticism toward the studio’s handling of the situation.
Some commentators have praised Sacco for speaking out and called for clearer industry standards regarding AI disclosure. Others have cautioned against vilifying AI outright, noting that technology itself is neutral and that the responsibility lies with how studios implement it. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an attempt to address mounting criticism over alleged writer replacement and undisclosed AI usage. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology and his candid admission of a hasty, emotionally‑driven response illustrate the challenges companies face when navigating the intersection of human talent and machine assistance.
The episode underscores the need for transparent communication, fair labor practices, and thoughtful integration of AI tools to ensure that both creators and consumers benefit from technological advancements without compromising artistic integrity.