Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated dispute 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 stance on AI usage and to address the controversy that has surrounded the development process. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its development and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the game's creation. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by another individual whom he described as more talented, and that her employment was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He also added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." The controversy began when Sacco publicly claimed that her role on Rideshare Simulator had been terminated and that her writing duties were handed over to an AI language model, specifically ChatGPT.
She further suggested that additional, previously unannounced AI tools had been employed throughout the game's development, raising concerns about transparency, labor practices, and the ethical use of AI in creative industries. Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded to these accusations in a series of interviews and social‑media posts. He asserted that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he went on to say that, looking back, he would have been "happy to replace her with AI" if the situation called for it.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch remarked, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had no personal recollection of Sacco and had to rely on an AI assistant to retrieve information about her. Karch also explained that the studio was already planning to incorporate AI into certain aspects of the game and that the Steam page would be updated once the final feature set had been determined. He framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." This comment was intended to position AI as a cost‑saving measure that could potentially lower the retail price for players.
The dispute escalated when Sacco posted on the social‑networking platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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 public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the situation. He admitted, "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 industry trends. First, the rapid adoption of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models is reshaping the way video‑game studios approach narrative design, localization, and even marketing copy. While AI can accelerate content creation and reduce costs, it also raises questions about authorship, credit, and the treatment of human writers who may feel displaced or undervalued.
Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication and transparency when AI is employed in a creative pipeline. Players and industry observers increasingly expect studios to disclose the extent of AI involvement, especially when it may affect the authenticity of storytelling or the working conditions of staff. Finally, the personal dynamics between a CEO and a former employee have come under scrutiny.
Karch's admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—offers a rare glimpse into the pressures executives face when navigating public criticism. His willingness to apologize, albeit in a measured and somewhat defensive tone, suggests an attempt to mitigate reputational damage while preserving the studio’s image. In the weeks ahead, Saber Interactive is expected to update its Steam page with more detailed information about the specific AI features planned for Rideshare Simulator. The company may also outline policies regarding AI usage, attribution, and employee involvement to reassure both the gaming community and its own staff.
Whether these steps will fully address the concerns raised by Sacco and other industry observers remains to be seen, but the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of integrating cutting‑edge technology into creative work and the human sensitivities that accompany such transitions.