Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal AI usage disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of employing AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, seeks to clarify the studio’s stance on artificial‑intelligence tools and to address the controversy that has surrounded the development process.
The full wording of the 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." The background to the statement involves a series of public remarks made by former staff member Stella Sacco. Sacco, who was employed as a lead writer on Rideshare Simulator, claimed that midway through the project she was taken off the team and that her responsibilities were handed over to an AI system—specifically ChatGPT.
In addition to this allegation, she suggested that the studio had been employing other, undisclosed AI tools throughout the game's creation, raising concerns about transparency and the treatment of human creative talent. In response, Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, offered a contradictory narrative.
He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, in hindsight, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s comments were recorded during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he further elaborated on his lack of personal interaction with Sacco. "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch said, referencing the AI assistant Claude. He emphasized that the studio had already disclosed its intention to use AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized.
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 explained, suggesting that AI could help keep costs down while maintaining quality. The dispute took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, 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, issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his 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 admitted. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The episode highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative workflows. While many developers argue that AI can streamline repetitive tasks, generate placeholder assets, or assist with localization, critics worry that reliance on machine‑generated content may marginalize human writers, artists, and designers. The ethical considerations become especially pronounced when AI is used to replace staff members without clear communication or proper attribution. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the AI disclaimer now serves multiple purposes.
First, it provides transparency for potential buyers who might be curious about the extent to which AI contributed to the game's narrative, dialogue, or marketing copy. Second, it functions as a form of damage control for Saber Interactive, signaling that the company is responsive to community concerns and is willing to publicly document its practices. The situation also underscores the importance of clear internal policies regarding AI usage. Companies that integrate AI tools into their pipelines are increasingly expected to establish guidelines that address authorship, compensation, and the handling of intellectual property.
Without such frameworks, misunderstandings can quickly evolve into public disputes, as seen here. From a consumer perspective, the added disclaimer may influence purchasing decisions.
Gamers who value handcrafted storytelling might view the AI involvement as a red flag, while those who prioritize affordability and rapid content updates could see it as a positive innovation. The ultimate impact on sales will likely depend on how effectively Saber Interactive communicates the benefits and limits of AI within the game. Looking ahead, the industry is poised to grapple with similar controversies as AI technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible.
Studios will need to balance efficiency gains against the potential erosion of creative labor, ensuring that any AI integration respects the contributions of human creators and maintains transparency with audiences. In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to allegations of replacing a human writer with AI by posting a formal disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized to former writer Stella Sacco, acknowledging his impulsive reaction to earlier comments and expressing a desire to make amends. The incident shines a light on the ongoing debate over AI's role in game development, the necessity for clear ethical guidelines, and the importance of open communication with both staff and players.