Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear 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 company’s decision to add the notice appears to be an effort to address community concerns, increase transparency, and clarify the role that machine‑learning systems played in the creation of the game. The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who worked at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024, and stated she was removed from Rideshare midway through development and replaced with ChatGPT, while alleging other then‑unannounced use of AI in the game's development." By publishing this statement, Saber acknowledges that there were internal discussions about replacing human‑written content with automated generation, and that those discussions have now become part of the public record.
Background on the controversy Stella Sacco, a writer who joined Saber Interactive in mid‑2023, claimed that she was taken off the Rideshare Simulator project part‑way through its production cycle and that her duties were subsequently filled by the language model ChatGPT. In addition to this specific allegation, Sacco suggested that the studio had employed AI in other, undisclosed aspects of the game’s creation, raising questions about the ethical implications of using such tools without proper attribution or consent.
When confronted with these claims, CEO Matt Karch responded with a series of statements that both defended the studio’s actions and hinted at a possible willingness to rely on AI in the future. Karch said Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect [he] would have been happy to replace her with AI." This remark was interpreted by many observers as an admission that the company considered AI a viable alternative to human writers, especially for a title that Saber positions as a lower‑priced offering.
Karch’s interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames further illuminated his perspective. He said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had not personally interacted with Sacco. He went on to explain, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set.
We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers." In other words, Karch framed AI integration as a cost‑saving measure that could ultimately benefit players by keeping the price of the game low. Apology and public reaction 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 also issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, where 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.
It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." This candid acknowledgment of a knee‑jerk reaction was meant to convey remorse, though many critics argued that it fell short of a concrete plan for restitution. Implications for the industry The Saber Interactive episode highlights a broader conversation within the video‑game sector about the appropriate use of AI.
As large language models become more capable of generating coherent narrative text, developers are increasingly tempted to employ them for tasks ranging from dialogue writing to marketing copy. While AI can accelerate production timelines and reduce costs, it also raises questions about authorship, credit, and the preservation of creative integrity.
Industry watchdogs and labor groups have warned that unchecked reliance on AI could marginalize human writers, especially those early in their careers who depend on entry‑level positions to build portfolios. The situation with Sacco serves as a cautionary tale: when a studio replaces a human writer with an algorithm without transparent communication, it can erode trust among both employees and the gaming community. From a consumer standpoint, the addition of an AI disclaimer may be seen as a positive step toward openness.
Players who value authentic storytelling might appreciate knowing exactly which portions of the game’s script were generated by a machine versus a human author. Conversely, some gamers could view AI‑generated content as a downgrade, fearing that the nuance and emotional depth of hand‑crafted dialogue could be lost.
Future outlook for Rideshare Simulator Rideshare Simulator itself is marketed as a budget‑friendly experience that simulates the daily challenges faced by rideshare drivers. By positioning the title at a lower price point, Saber hopes to attract a wide audience looking for a quick, accessible simulation. The AI disclaimer suggests that the studio intends to continue leveraging machine‑learning tools for certain aspects of the game, perhaps in procedural generation of city traffic patterns, dynamic event scripting, or even localized text strings.
Whether this approach will enhance or diminish the overall quality of the game remains to be seen. If the AI components are used judiciously—supplementing, rather than supplanting, human creativity—they could streamline development and allow the team to focus on polishing core gameplay mechanics.
However, if AI replaces too much of the narrative fabric, the final product may feel generic, potentially alienating players who seek a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to post an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an attempt to address a controversy that began with accusations of dismissing a writer in favor of ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch’s public apologies and admissions of impulsive behavior demonstrate a willingness to engage with the criticism, though concrete steps beyond an apology have yet to be detailed. The episode underscores the growing tension between technological efficiency and artistic authenticity in game development, a balance that the industry will continue to negotiate as AI tools become ever more sophisticated.