Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam listing 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 dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The controversy centers on former employee Stella Sacco, who alleges that she was removed from the project midway and that the company substituted her work with output from ChatGPT, as well as employing other undisclosed AI tools throughout the production process.
The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco states she was taken off the Rideshare Simulator team during development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by an AI system, specifically ChatGPT. She also claims that additional, previously unannounced AI technologies were used in the creation of the game." In a public statement, Karch attempted to clarify the situation.
He said that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He continued, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," a comment he made during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames.
Karch further explained that the studio has already acknowledged the use of AI for certain components of the game and that a more detailed update to the Steam page would follow once the feature set is finalized. He framed the AI integration as a benefit for consumers, noting that Rideshare Simulator is intended to be a lower‑priced title and that AI assistance could help keep costs down while delivering a polished experience. The dispute escalated on the social platform BlueSky, where Sacco posted a message over the weekend indicating 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 later issued a separate statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. He wrote, "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 episode highlights several broader issues that are currently shaping the video game industry.
First, the use of AI for content creation—whether for dialogue, narrative design, or marketing copy—has become increasingly common as studios seek to streamline production pipelines and reduce costs. However, the lack of transparency around when and how these tools are employed can lead to accusations of unfair labor practices, especially when human writers feel displaced or undervalued. Second, the situation underscores the importance of clear communication and respectful treatment of staff.
Sacco's claim that she was removed without adequate explanation, coupled with Karch's admission that he reacted impulsively, suggests a breakdown in internal dialogue. In an industry where creative collaboration is essential, maintaining trust between management and creative talent is crucial for both morale and the quality of the final product.
Third, the public apology and the addition of the AI disclaimer may serve as a case study for other developers navigating similar challenges. By openly acknowledging the role of AI and providing a formal notice on a major distribution platform, Saber Interactive is setting a precedent for transparency that could become a standard practice. This approach may help mitigate backlash from players and journalists who are increasingly vigilant about ethical AI usage. From a consumer perspective, the inclusion of AI does not automatically diminish the value of a game.
When used responsibly, AI can assist with repetitive tasks, generate placeholder assets, or even help localize content for multiple regions. The key is ensuring that AI augments, rather than replaces, human creativity. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the studio's claim that AI will be a "plus for consumers" suggests they aim to leverage the technology to improve gameplay while keeping the price point accessible.
Looking ahead, the industry will likely see more formal guidelines and possibly regulatory frameworks governing AI in game development. Organizations such as the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) have begun discussing best practices, and some publishers are already drafting internal policies that require disclosure of AI usage in both development and marketing materials. For Saber Interactive, the immediate challenge is to rebuild trust with former employees, current staff, and the broader gaming community.
The apology from Karch, while a step in the right direction, will need to be backed by concrete actions—such as revisiting hiring practices, offering fair compensation, and establishing clear channels for feedback. Additionally, the studio should consider providing more detailed information about the specific AI tools used, the scope of their application, and how they complement the work of human creators.
In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects a growing awareness of the need for openness about emerging technologies in game production. The controversy surrounding Stella Sacco's departure and the subsequent apology from CEO Matt Karch illustrate the human side of this technological shift, reminding us that behind every line of code or AI‑generated sentence there are real people whose careers and reputations are at stake. As the industry continues to evolve, balancing efficiency with ethical responsibility will remain a central theme, and cases like this will help shape the standards that define future development practices.