Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a formal disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. This move comes after a heated debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools.
The full text of the new AI 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. Sacco has claimed that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator team part‑way through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during development." In a subsequent interview, Karch addressed Sacco's allegations directly.
He explained that the writer was "replaced by someone we believed to be more skilled and ultimately terminated for a range of reasons a few months later." He added a reflective comment, saying that "looking back, I would have been comfortable replacing her work with AI if the circumstances called for it." When pressed for further clarification, Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or even seen her in person." He went on to confirm that the studio had indeed employed AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature list was locked down.
"We view our AI usage in this particular title— which will be positioned at a lower price point — as a benefit for the consumer," he said. The controversy escalated over the weekend when Sacco posted a message on the social platform BlueSky. In her note, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "From the beginning I have stood firm that my account is truthful; it now appears that the facts have been corroborated.
Matt expressed a desire to make things right with me. At this point I am not entirely sure what that will look like, and I need some time to process it, but I do accept his apology." Karch later issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own role in the dispute.
He admitted, "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 framed the incident as a human error, adding, "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify the situation." The episode highlights several broader issues that are currently reshaping the video game industry. First, the growing reliance on AI for content creation—whether for writing dialogue, generating procedural assets, or even designing entire levels—has raised ethical questions about credit, compensation, and the transparency owed to both employees and consumers.
While AI can accelerate development cycles and reduce costs, it also threatens to marginalise human creators whose expertise and artistic nuance may be undervalued. Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication and proper documentation when employing AI tools.
Companies that openly disclose their AI usage, as Saber Interactive now does, can mitigate backlash and maintain consumer trust. Conversely, vague or contradictory statements can fuel speculation and damage a studio’s reputation. Third, the personal dynamics between leadership and staff are in focus.
Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—serves as a reminder that executives are not immune to emotional responses, especially when faced with public criticism. His willingness to apologize publicly, however, may help to rebuild some of the goodwill lost during the dispute. From a legal perspective, the situation also raises potential concerns about employment contracts and termination procedures. If an employee is dismissed and replaced by AI without proper notice or justification, it could lead to claims of wrongful termination or breach of contract.
While the specifics of Sacco’s employment agreement have not been disclosed, the public nature of the allegations suggests that studios may need to review their HR policies to ensure they are aligned with emerging AI practices. For gamers, the practical impact of the AI disclaimer is relatively modest. The core gameplay of Rideshare Simulator—driving passengers around a virtual city, managing fares, and navigating traffic—remains unchanged. However, the acknowledgment that some narrative elements or in‑game text may have been generated by AI could influence how players perceive the authenticity of the story and character interactions.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects a growing industry trend toward transparency about machine‑generated content. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco illustrates the human side of the debate, acknowledging both a lapse in judgment and a commitment to make amends.
As AI continues to permeate game development, studios will need to balance efficiency gains with ethical responsibility, clear communication, and respect for the creative contributions of their human staff.