Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a clear artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game's page, is intended to address concerns from the gaming community and to provide transparency about the role of machine‑learning tools in the development process.
The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed uses of artificial intelligence throughout the game's creation." In a public response, Karch attempted to clarify the situation, stating that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and adding that, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI if the circumstances called for it." He continued, "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. He also noted, "We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain components of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We view our implementation of AI in this particular game as a plus for players," he said, suggesting that the technology could streamline production, reduce costs, and potentially enhance the overall experience.
The dispute escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "From the start I have been firm that my account was truthful; it now appears that the facts support my version of events. Matt expressed a desire to make things right with me. At this point I’m not entirely sure what that will look like, and I need some time to consider it, but I do accept his apology." Karch later issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional 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 admitted.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify the situation." The controversy touches on broader industry debates about the ethical use of AI in creative fields.
As AI language models become increasingly sophisticated, many studios are experimenting with them to draft dialogue, generate procedural content, or even assist in narrative design. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate development cycles, lower production costs, and free human creators to focus on higher‑level storytelling.
Critics, however, warn that reliance on automated tools may marginalize skilled writers, dilute artistic originality, and raise questions about attribution and compensation. In Saber Interactive's case, the core of the dispute centers on whether Sacco was unjustly removed and whether the studio substituted her contributions with a chatbot without proper disclosure. The company’s decision to add an explicit disclaimer to the Steam page appears to be an effort to mitigate backlash and to comply with emerging expectations for transparency.
Some observers note that the timing of the disclaimer—coming after public statements from both parties—suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach. Industry analysts also point out that the incident could set a precedent for how other developers handle AI integration. If players begin to demand clear labeling of AI‑generated content, studios may need to adopt standardized practices similar to those used for disclosing microtransactions or loot boxes.
Regulatory bodies in certain jurisdictions are already considering guidelines that would require developers to inform consumers when AI has been used to produce in‑game text, audio, or visual assets. Beyond the immediate fallout, the episode underscores the human element behind technological change.
Karch's admission that he "shot first and thought second" reveals how quickly emotions can flare in high‑stakes public relations scenarios. His willingness to apologize, albeit after the fact, may help repair relationships with the writer community and reassure fans that the studio values accountability. For Sacco, the public acknowledgment of her claims and the acceptance of an apology could serve as a stepping stone toward a resolution, whether that involves a formal settlement, a public statement of reconciliation, or simply a mutual decision to move forward.
Her remarks about needing time to process the apology indicate that trust rebuilding will likely be a gradual process. In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to criticism over alleged AI replacement of a human writer by posting a detailed disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks and admitted to an impulsive reaction. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the gaming industry regarding AI adoption, transparency, and the treatment of creative professionals.
As AI tools become more entrenched in game development pipelines, both studios and players will need to navigate the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility, ensuring that the contributions of human creators remain recognized and respected.