Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy surrounding accusations that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s storefront, is intended to clarify the extent of AI usage in the project and to address concerns raised by the community and the media. The full text of the new 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 has claimed that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator development team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI tools. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by an individual he described as ‘more talented,’ and that her employment was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI. "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames.
"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." "We view our use of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a benefit for consumers." The controversy erupted after Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating 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 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 wrote. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The incident highlights a growing tension in the video‑game industry between the efficiency gains promised by generative AI and the ethical considerations surrounding authorship, credit, and employment. While AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models can accelerate the creation of in‑game dialogue, marketing copy, and even procedural content, their deployment raises questions about the displacement of human talent and the transparency owed to both creators and consumers. Stella Sacco’s tenure at Saber Interactive spanned roughly a year, during which she contributed to the narrative and script elements of Rideshare Simulator. According to her statements, she was removed from the project before its final polish, and her role was allegedly filled by an AI system.
The claim that she was replaced by "someone more talented" adds a layer of subjectivity that many observers have found problematic, especially given the broader context of AI adoption across the industry. In the broader gaming community, reactions have been mixed. Some developers argue that AI can serve as a powerful assistant, handling repetitive or low‑level writing tasks and freeing human writers to focus on higher‑level storytelling. Others fear that reliance on AI could erode the craft of writing, diminish job security, and lead to homogenised content that lacks the nuance and emotional resonance that human authors provide.
From a consumer perspective, the presence of an AI disclaimer on a Steam page is relatively novel. Historically, game storefronts have listed features such as "multiplayer," "VR support," or "procedural generation," but few have explicitly flagged the use of AI in the development pipeline.
By adding this notice, Saber Interactive is acknowledging that players have a right to know whether AI contributed to the experience they are purchasing, especially as the technology becomes more visible in final products. The legal landscape is also evolving. Some jurisdictions are beginning to consider regulations that would require companies to disclose AI‑generated content, particularly when it affects consumer expectations or when it replaces human labor.
While no specific law currently mandates such disclosures for video games, industry standards and public pressure may soon make them commonplace. Matt Karch’s apology, as recorded on LinkedIn, attempts to frame his reaction as a momentary lapse rather than a calculated decision. He described himself as "triggered" by later comments and admitted to acting impulsively—"shot first and thought second." This language suggests an awareness of the misstep but also leaves open the question of accountability for the initial decision to replace a human writer with AI. The broader implications for Saber Interactive’s reputation are still unfolding.
On one hand, the company’s willingness to publicly acknowledge AI usage and to update its Steam page could be seen as a proactive step toward transparency. On the other hand, the manner in which the situation was handled—particularly the alleged dismissal of a writer and the subsequent defensive statements—has drawn criticism from industry watchdogs and advocacy groups that champion fair labor practices.
Looking ahead, the episode may serve as a case study for other studios grappling with the integration of AI tools. It underscores the importance of clear internal policies, open communication with staff, and honest public messaging when adopting emerging technologies.
As AI continues to mature, developers will need to balance efficiency gains with ethical responsibilities, ensuring that human creators are respected, credited, and fairly compensated. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects both a reaction to public scrutiny and a broader industry shift toward greater openness about AI involvement.
CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco acknowledges personal misjudgment, while the ongoing dialogue highlights the complex interplay between technology, creativity, and labor in modern game development.