Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s Steam listing, is intended to clarify the studio’s current use of AI tools and to address the allegations that have been circulating in the gaming press and on social media. The full wording of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco has alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI‑assisted processes throughout the creation of the game. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by an individual he described as 'more talented' and that her employment was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." During an interview with the YouTube channel This Week In Videogames, Karch elaborated on the situation, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her in person." He went on to confirm that the studio is indeed employing AI for certain elements of the game, but promised that the Steam page would be updated once the final feature set had been locked down. "We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers," he said, framing the technology as a value‑adding component rather than a cost‑cutting measure.
The dispute gained further attention when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "I have been firm from the beginning that I was telling the truth; I think we can all now agree that it has 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 issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional 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 situation." The controversy touches on several broader industry trends. First, the use of AI in game development has accelerated dramatically over the past few years, with studios experimenting with language models for everything from narrative scripting to in‑game dialogue and marketing copy. While many developers tout AI as a productivity booster, critics worry that reliance on automated tools could marginalize human talent, especially writers and narrative designers whose craft traditionally hinges on nuance, cultural awareness, and emotional resonance. Second, the episode highlights the delicate balance between transparency and reputation management.
By placing a disclaimer on the Steam page, Saber Interactive is attempting to be forthright about its AI usage, yet the timing—coming after public accusations—suggests a reactive rather than proactive communication strategy. Industry observers note that clear, upfront disclosure can mitigate backlash, whereas delayed acknowledgment often fuels speculation and erodes trust.
Third, the personal dimension of the dispute underscores how quickly professional disagreements can become public spectacles in the age of social media. Both Sacco and Karch used distinct platforms—BlueSky and LinkedIn respectively—to voice their perspectives, allowing each side to reach a wide audience without the mediation of traditional press outlets. This direct‑to‑audience approach can empower individuals but also amplifies conflict, making reconciliation more complex. From a legal standpoint, there are no known contractual violations reported in the public record.
However, the allegations raise questions about employment practices, especially regarding the termination of a writer and the subsequent replacement with an AI system. If a writer’s contract included clauses about intellectual property ownership or the right to be credited for contributions, the substitution with AI could potentially trigger disputes over authorship and compensation. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to integrate AI tools where it deems them beneficial, but the company also promises to refine its communication policies.
The CEO’s admission of an impulsive reaction—"shot first and thought second"—suggests a willingness to reflect on internal processes and perhaps adopt more measured crisis‑response protocols. For gamers and industry watchers, the key takeaways are twofold: AI is becoming an integral part of the development pipeline, and studios must navigate the ethical and reputational implications of that integration with care.
Transparency, respectful treatment of creative staff, and clear guidelines on AI usage will likely become standard expectations as the technology matures. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page marks a concrete step toward openness about its development practices, while CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco reflects an attempt to mend a strained professional relationship. The episode serves as a microcosm of the larger conversation about AI’s role in creative industries, the importance of clear communication, and the human element that remains central to storytelling, even as machines become more capable of generating text.