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. This move comes after a heated controversy erupted when allegations surfaced that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with content generated by AI tools. The situation has drawn considerable attention from both the gaming community and industry observers, prompting the studio to address the matter publicly and to clarify its stance on AI usage.
The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 to July 2024. According to Sacco, she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, with additional, previously undisclosed AI assistance employed throughout the game's creation." In a series of statements, CEO Matt Karch responded to the accusations. He claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "In hindsight, I would have been comfortable replacing her work with AI." Karch further explained his limited personal interaction with Sacco, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames.
He reiterated that the studio had already acknowledged the use of AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. Karch also framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting, "We view our implementation of AI in this lower‑priced title as a value‑add for players." This perspective reflects a growing trend within the industry where developers are experimenting with AI to streamline content creation, reduce costs, and potentially enhance gameplay experiences. However, the controversy surrounding Sacco's departure highlights the delicate balance between technological innovation and ethical employment practices.
Over the weekend, Sacco took to the social platform BlueSky to share her side of the story. She wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "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." In a separate public comment posted on LinkedIn, Karch offered a candid reflection on his reaction to the unfolding drama.
"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 raises several broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries. On one hand, AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models can accelerate writing, generate placeholder text, and even assist with narrative design.
On the other hand, reliance on these systems can lead to concerns about job displacement, authorship authenticity, and the potential for reduced quality if AI-generated prose is not carefully edited by human experts. Industry experts note that transparency is key.
When developers are upfront about where and how AI is employed, players can make informed decisions about the products they purchase. Moreover, clear policies regarding employee transitions, especially when AI is introduced as a replacement for human labor, can help mitigate accusations of unfair treatment.
In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive has pledged to monitor its AI usage more closely and to provide regular updates to its community. The company plans to release a detailed report outlining which specific components of Rideshare Simulator were assisted by AI, how those tools were integrated into the workflow, and what steps were taken to ensure that the final product meets the studio's quality standards.
The incident also underscores the importance of communication skills for leadership. Karch's admission that he acted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—serves as a reminder that even seasoned executives can falter under pressure.
By publicly acknowledging his mistake and offering an apology, he aims to rebuild trust with both his former employee and the broader gaming audience. Looking ahead, the conversation about AI in game development is likely to intensify. As AI models become more sophisticated, studios will need to develop robust ethical frameworks that balance innovation with respect for creative talent.
For players, the key takeaway is to stay informed about the development processes behind their favorite titles and to support studios that demonstrate accountability and openness. In summary, Saber Interactive's addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an effort to address community concerns after allegations of replacing a human writer with AI-generated content.
CEO Matt Karch has issued an apology to former writer Stella Sacco, acknowledging his hasty reaction to criticism and expressing a desire to make amends. The situation highlights the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and creative work, emphasizing the need for transparency, ethical employment practices, and thoughtful leadership in the rapidly changing landscape of video game development.