Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted when former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was removed from the project midway and that her responsibilities were taken over by a ChatGPT‑generated script, alongside other unpublicized AI applications. The full text of the newly added 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." In the wake of Sacco’s allegations, Karch responded publicly, describing the situation in stark terms.
He said that Sacco had "been replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." This candid admission sparked further controversy, prompting the company to clarify its stance on AI usage. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch elaborated: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her. 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." He continued, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers." By framing AI as a consumer benefit, Karch attempted to shift the narrative from a personnel dispute to a broader discussion about technology’s role in game development.
The controversy took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, noting 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 statement on LinkedIn, where he reflected on his reaction to the unfolding drama. "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 series of statements highlights a broader industry conversation about the ethics of AI in creative work. On one side, developers argue that AI tools can accelerate production, reduce costs, and enable smaller studios to compete with larger publishers. On the other side, writers, artists, and other creatives worry that reliance on machine‑generated content could marginalise human talent, dilute artistic integrity, and create a slippery slope toward widespread job displacement.
In the specific case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as an affordable, niche title that simulates the experience of driving for a rideshare service. By labeling the product as "lower priced," Saber Interactive appears to be positioning AI assistance as a cost‑saving measure that ultimately benefits players through a lower purchase price.
However, critics argue that the financial savings may come at the expense of the original creative vision and the livelihoods of the individuals who initially contributed to the project. The inclusion of the AI disclaimer on Steam is a notable step because it provides transparency to consumers who may be concerned about the provenance of in‑game text, dialogue, and narrative structure. Steam’s platform policies have increasingly emphasized the need for developers to disclose the use of third‑party tools, especially when those tools could materially affect the player experience. By publicly acknowledging AI involvement, Saber Interactive is aligning with these emerging standards, even as the company navigates the fallout from internal personnel disagreements.
Industry observers note that the situation mirrors similar controversies at other studios where AI-generated assets have replaced human creators. In many instances, the companies involved have faced backlash from professional guilds and unions, leading to calls for clearer guidelines and possibly regulatory oversight. The debate often centers on whether AI should be treated as a tool that assists human creators or as an autonomous author that can replace them entirely.
For Sacco, the experience has been both professionally and personally taxing. She has expressed a desire for a concrete resolution, indicating that while she accepts Karch’s apology, she remains uncertain about what restitution or corrective action might look like. Her statements suggest a willingness to move forward, but also a need for clarity on how the company intends to address the alleged missteps. From a broader perspective, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication and contractual clarity when AI tools are introduced into a development pipeline.
Companies that anticipate integrating AI into writing, art, or design should consider outlining expectations in employment agreements, ensuring that all parties understand how AI may be used and what rights each stakeholder retains. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an attempt to be transparent amid a contentious dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco. CEO Matt Karch’s public apologies and admissions of impulsive reactions add a human element to the story, while the ongoing dialogue about AI’s role in game creation continues to evolve. As the industry grapples with balancing technological innovation against the protection of creative labor, cases like this serve as a reminder that clear policies, open communication, and respect for contributors are essential to navigating the complex landscape of modern game development.