Saber Interactive has taken the step of appending an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated debate erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently handed over to ChatGPT. Sacco also suggested that other, still‑unpublicized aspects of the game’s creation had involved AI tools without proper disclosure. In response to the accusations, Saber’s chief executive, Matt Karch, issued a statement that attempted to clarify the situation.
He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and went on to add that, looking back, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with artificial intelligence. "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, underscoring his unfamiliarity with the former writer. He further explained that the studio had already been transparent about using AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down.
Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as 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, suggesting that the technology could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience. The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on the social network 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 later added a public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the situation. "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 episode highlights the growing tension in the video‑game industry between traditional creative labor and the rising adoption of generative AI tools.
Developers argue that AI can accelerate content creation, reduce repetitive tasks, and lower production costs, especially for smaller or mid‑tier projects. Critics, however, warn that reliance on algorithms may marginalise writers, artists, and other creatives whose nuanced contributions are difficult for machines to replicate.
In Saber Interactive's case, the company appears to be walking a fine line. On one hand, it wants to leverage AI to keep the price point of Rideshare Simulator attractive, potentially allowing it to compete with other indie driving simulators and reach a broader audience. On the other hand, the public backlash over the alleged dismissal of a human writer underscores the importance of transparency and respectful treatment of staff.
Industry observers note that many studios are still figuring out best practices for AI integration. Some have instituted internal policies that require clear labeling of AI‑generated assets, while others have set up ethical review boards to assess the impact on employment and creative quality. The Steam disclaimer added by Saber is a modest step toward that kind of openness, but the wording of the notice—essentially a brief acknowledgment that AI was used—may not satisfy all critics who demand more detailed explanations about which parts of the game were AI‑assisted and how that assistance was managed.
The broader conversation also touches on legal considerations. Copyright law in several jurisdictions is still catching up with the capabilities of generative models, and questions remain about who owns AI‑generated text or artwork.
If a writer is replaced by a model like ChatGPT, does the studio retain full rights to the output, and what obligations does it have to the displaced employee? These unresolved issues add another layer of complexity to the debate.
For players, the practical impact may be subtle. AI can help generate dialogue variations, procedural city layouts, or even dynamic mission objectives, potentially enriching the gameplay experience.
However, some gamers worry that AI‑driven content could feel generic or lack the emotional depth that a seasoned writer brings. The success of Rideshare Simulator will likely be judged not only on its technical merits but also on whether its narrative and world‑building resonate with players. As the situation evolves, both Saber Interactive and Matt Karch appear to be attempting damage control. The public apology, the added disclaimer, and the promise to update the Steam page suggest a willingness to address community concerns.
Whether these measures will be enough to restore trust among former staff, industry peers, and the gaming public remains to be seen. In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to allegations of replacing a human writer with AI by placing an AI usage notice on its Steam store page and by having its CEO issue an apology.
The incident underscores the delicate balance studios must strike between embracing new technology and honoring the contributions of human creators, a challenge that will likely shape the future of game development for years to come.