Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page 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 erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools.
The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator team midway through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed applications of AI throughout the game's creation." In a series of public statements, Karch attempted to counter Sacco's allegations.
He asserted that Sacco "was replaced by someone with a different skill set and subsequently terminated for a range of reasons a few months later." He added, "Looking back, I would have been comfortable swapping her out for an AI solution if the circumstances called for it." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch made a somewhat bewildered comment: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or even seen her in person." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed that AI would be employed for certain components of the game and promised to revise the Steam page once the feature list was finalized. "We view our AI usage in this particular title, which is positioned as a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for players," he said.
The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "From the beginning I have stood firm that my account is truthful; the facts now seem to support that. Matt expressed a desire to make things right with me. At this point I’m not entirely sure what that looks like, and I’ll need some time to process it, but I do accept his apology." Karch later added a separate public comment 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," he admitted. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify the situation." The incident highlights a growing tension within the video‑game industry regarding the integration of AI-generated content. As development budgets tighten and deadlines loom, studios are increasingly turning to tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models to draft dialogue, generate quest text, or even assist with design documentation.
Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce repetitive writing tasks, and free creative talent to focus on higher‑level storytelling. Critics, however, warn that reliance on machine‑generated prose may undermine the craft of professional writers, dilute narrative quality, and raise ethical questions about attribution and employment. In Sacco's case, the core of the dispute centers on whether her removal was a legitimate personnel decision or a cost‑cutting measure that favored AI over human expertise. The timeline she provides—joining the project in July 2023, being taken off the team midway, and then being let go a few months later—suggests a rapid turnover that coincides with the period when many studios began publicly experimenting with AI tools.
Her claim that the studio replaced her work with ChatGPT specifically points to a direct substitution rather than a supplemental use of AI. From the company's perspective, Karch's statements attempt to frame the AI implementation as a consumer benefit rather than a labor issue.
By labeling Rideshare Simulator as a "lower priced title," he implies that cost savings from AI can be passed on to players in the form of a more affordable game. This argument mirrors a broader industry narrative that AI can democratize game development, making smaller projects viable without sacrificing quality. Nevertheless, the public apology and the addition of the disclaimer suggest that Saber Interactive recognized the need for transparency. Steam, as a distribution platform, has begun to require developers to disclose AI usage in games, reflecting growing consumer interest in how much of a game's content is machine‑generated.
The disclaimer serves both as a compliance measure and a PR move to mitigate backlash from the gaming community, which has shown a mixed response to AI in games—from excitement about novel experiences to concern over authenticity. The episode also underscores the personal dimension of corporate communication. Karch's admission that he was "triggered" and reacted impulsively reveals how quickly emotions can influence public statements, especially in the fast‑paced world of social media. His acknowledgment that he is "human" and his pledge to make amends may help repair his reputation, but it also raises questions about leadership accountability when controversial decisions—such as replacing a writer with AI—are made.
Looking forward, the situation may set a precedent for how studios handle similar disputes. Clear policies regarding AI usage, transparent crediting of human contributors, and robust internal review processes could become standard practice to avoid accusations of unfair labor practices. For writers like Sacco, the experience may serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of contract clauses that address AI substitution and the need for industry-wide standards that protect creative professionals.
In summary, Saber Interactive's recent AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects a broader industry shift toward artificial intelligence, while the surrounding controversy involving former writer Stella Sacco and CEO Matt Karch highlights the human and ethical complexities of that transition. The company's public apology and commitment to updating its disclosures aim to restore trust with both its workforce and its player base, illustrating the delicate balance between technological innovation and respect for the creative talent that drives game development.