Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store listing for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator. The move comes after a heated debate erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer working on the project in favor of using AI‑generated text.
In the original statement posted on the Steam page, Saber explains the rationale behind the new notice and clarifies its stance on AI usage within the game. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI tools used during the game's creation." In his public reply, Karch countered Sacco's allegations, stating that she "was replaced by a more skilled individual and terminated for a range of reasons a few months later." He added, "Looking back, I would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI if the circumstances had called for it." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated: "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her in person. We have already disclosed that we are employing AI for certain elements of the game, and we will update the Steam page once the final feature list is locked down." He continued, "We view our use of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a benefit for consumers, providing cost‑effective content without compromising quality." The controversy intensified when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, writing that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "From the beginning I have been firm that my account was truthful; it now appears that the facts support my version. Matt expressed a desire to make things right with me. At this point I am not sure what that looks like, and I need time to process it, but I do accept his apology." Karch also issued a separate statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own 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.
It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify the situation." The episode highlights a broader industry debate about the role of AI in creative processes. On one side, developers argue that AI can streamline writing, generate placeholder dialogue, and reduce costs, especially for smaller or lower‑budget projects.
On the other side, writers and unions express concern that reliance on AI could erode job security, dilute artistic integrity, and lead to uncredited or under‑compensated labor. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game itself is positioned as a more affordable, niche experience that simulates the day‑to‑day challenges of rideshare drivers.
By leveraging AI for certain narrative or UI text elements, Saber hopes to keep the retail price low while still delivering a polished experience. However, the lack of transparency about who contributed what—human versus machine—has sparked criticism from both fans and industry observers. The company’s decision to add a clear disclaimer may be an attempt to restore trust and comply with emerging best practices. Several platforms, including Steam, have begun to require developers to disclose AI usage, especially when it affects content that players might assume is handcrafted.
By openly acknowledging the presence of AI, Saber aligns itself with these emerging standards and attempts to avoid accusations of misleading consumers. Meanwhile, the personal dimension of the dispute remains unresolved.
Sacco’s statements suggest she feels vindicated, while Karch’s apology indicates a willingness to move forward, albeit with lingering uncertainty about concrete reparations. The situation underscores the importance of clear contracts, transparent communication, and respectful treatment of creative staff when integrating new technologies into the development pipeline.
Looking ahead, the industry is likely to see more formal guidelines regarding AI disclosure, attribution, and compensation. Organizations such as the Writers Guild of America have already begun drafting policies that would require studios to disclose AI‑generated text and to ensure that human writers receive appropriate credit and remuneration when AI is used as a tool rather than a replacement.
For players interested in Rideshare Simulator, the practical impact of the AI disclaimer may be minimal—most will simply experience the game’s mechanics and narrative as intended. However, for those who care deeply about the ethics of content creation, the notice provides a signal that the studio is at least attempting to be forthcoming about its methods.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects a response to public scrutiny over alleged writer replacement, an apology from CEO Matt Karch for his earlier remarks, and a broader industry shift toward transparency in AI usage. The episode serves as a case study in how emerging technologies can both empower and complicate the creative process, reminding developers, writers, and audiences alike that clear communication and ethical practices are essential as the line between human and machine‑generated content continues to blur.