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 surfaced online, in which a former writer claimed she was removed from the project and supplanted by AI‑generated text. The company’s chief executive, Matt Karch, has since issued a public apology to the writer and attempted to clarify the circumstances surrounding the controversy. The newly added AI disclaimer reads in full: "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 statement acknowledges the allegations made by Sacco, a content creator who was hired to craft narrative and instructional copy for the simulation.
According to her account, she was dismissed part‑way through the production cycle and her responsibilities were handed over to a language model, specifically ChatGPT. She also suggested that additional, undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the project, raising concerns about transparency and the treatment of human staff.
In response, Karch offered a detailed explanation. He said that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s comments were captured during an interview with the YouTube series This Week In Videogames, where he appeared visibly defensive. "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 continued, "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." Karch framed the use of artificial intelligence 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 asserted. The implication is that AI can help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience, a line of reasoning that many developers have begun to adopt as generative tools become more capable.
The dispute took a new turn when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend. In her message, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She went on to say, "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 took to LinkedIn to offer a more personal reflection on his conduct. "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 episode highlights several broader issues currently shaping the video game industry.
First, the growing reliance on AI for content creation is prompting companies to reconsider how they disclose such practices to players. While AI can accelerate writing, localization, and even level design, it also raises questions about authorship, quality control, and the ethical treatment of human creators. Many gamers and industry observers argue that transparency is essential, especially when AI is used to replace staff members. Second, the incident underscores the importance of professional communication during disputes.
Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—resonated with many who have seen similar flare‑ups on social media. In high‑pressure environments, executives are often forced to respond quickly, but a measured, well‑thought‑out reply can prevent reputational damage and legal complications. Third, the controversy sheds light on the contractual and employment realities for writers in the gaming sector. Freelance and contract writers frequently work on a project‑by‑project basis, and their job security can be tenuous.
When a company decides to replace a human writer with an AI model, the legal and ethical ramifications become complex, especially if the writer’s contributions were integral to the game's narrative voice. From a consumer perspective, the AI disclaimer on the Steam page serves as a warning label of sorts.
Players who value handcrafted storytelling may choose to avoid titles that rely heavily on machine‑generated text, while others might appreciate the cost savings and potentially faster content updates that AI can provide. The disclaimer also sets a precedent for other developers who might follow suit, establishing a new norm for transparency in the marketplace. In the weeks ahead, Saber Interactive is expected to finalize the exact AI features used in Rideshare Simulator and update the Steam listing accordingly.
Whether the company will reinstate Sacco or offer her any form of compensation remains unclear. What is evident, however, is that the dialogue between human creators and AI tools is far from settled, and this incident will likely be referenced in future debates about the role of automation in creative industries. Overall, the saga illustrates the delicate balance between innovation and responsibility. As AI continues to permeate game development pipelines, studios must navigate the technical advantages while maintaining respect for the people whose talent and expertise have traditionally driven the medium forward.
The apology from Matt Karch, though perhaps insufficient to mend all wounds, signals an awareness that the industry must evolve not only technologically but also ethically, ensuring that the voices of writers, artists, and other creators are heard and valued alongside the capabilities of machines.