Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted around allegations that the company had sidelined a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The situation centers on a former employee, Stella Sacco, who served as the game’s lead writer from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco publicly claimed that midway through the project she was removed from the writing duties and her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT, a popular AI language model. In addition, she suggested that other, still‑undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the development process without proper disclosure.
In response to the growing scrutiny, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a statement that both clarified the company’s position and offered a personal apology. Karch said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added that, looking back, he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." He later elaborated in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, noting, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." Karch explained that the studio had already been transparent about using AI for certain aspects of the game and that a formal update to the Steam page would be posted once the feature set was finalized. The CEO framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is slated to be a lower‑priced title. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he said, positioning the technology as a cost‑saving measure that could potentially enhance the player experience.
The dispute took a more personal 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, for his part, posted a separate 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 wrote. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The controversy highlights several broader industry trends. First, the rapid adoption of AI tools for content creation has sparked debates about authorship, fairness, and transparency. While AI can accelerate writing, localization, and even level design, many creators worry that reliance on algorithms may marginalize human talent and dilute the artistic voice of a project.
In Sacco’s case, the claim that she was replaced by a machine raised questions about whether the company had a clear policy for when and how AI should be used, and whether employees were adequately informed about those policies. Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication with the gaming community. Steam store pages serve as the primary source of information for prospective buyers, and any omission about AI involvement can be perceived as deceptive.
By adding the disclaimer, Saber aims to rebuild trust and demonstrate compliance with emerging best practices that call for explicit labeling of AI‑generated content. Third, the personal dynamics between management and staff are in focus. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—offers a rare glimpse into the pressures executives face when navigating public criticism.
His willingness to apologize publicly, however, may help mitigate reputational damage and set a precedent for more measured responses in future disputes. Industry observers note that this episode could serve as a cautionary tale for other studios. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, companies will likely need to develop robust internal guidelines that address authorship credit, compensation, and the ethical boundaries of replacing human labor with algorithms. Transparent disclosure on storefronts, in press releases, and within internal communications will become increasingly vital.
For players and fans of Rideshare Simulator, the practical outcome is that the game’s Steam page now includes a notice indicating that certain narrative elements, dialogues, or in‑game text may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence. This allows consumers to make an informed decision about purchasing a title that blends human creativity with machine assistance. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to append an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam listing follows a series of public statements, accusations, and apologies surrounding the departure of former lead writer Stella Sacco. CEO Matt Karch has acknowledged his premature reaction to criticism, offered an apology, and clarified the studio’s stance on AI as a cost‑effective tool for a budget‑friendly game.
The episode shines a spotlight on the evolving relationship between AI technology, creative talent, and transparency in the video‑game industry, prompting both developers and players to consider how best to balance innovation with ethical responsibility.