Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store listing for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s storefront, is intended to clarify the studio’s current use of AI tools and to address the controversy that has surrounded the development process.
The full wording of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the creation of the game. In response, Mr.
Karch has stated that Ms. 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 disclaimer continues with a quote from Karch during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her. 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." He went on to argue that the use of AI in this particular title, which is positioned as a lower‑priced offering, should be viewed as a benefit for consumers, suggesting that the technology could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience.
The dispute escalated over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, 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. He said, "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 situation highlights several broader industry trends. First, the increasing reliance on AI for content creation—ranging from procedural generation of environments to the drafting of marketing copy—has sparked debates about transparency, authorship, and fairness to human creators. While many studios tout AI as a cost‑saving measure, critics argue that it can marginalise writers, artists, and other creative professionals who fear being replaced by algorithms.
Second, the episode underscores the importance of clear communication with a game’s community. When allegations of AI substitution surface, fans and journalists alike demand honesty about what tools were used and why. By adding the disclaimer, Saber Interactive is attempting to pre‑empt further speculation and demonstrate compliance with emerging best practices for AI disclosure. Third, the personal dynamics between Karch and Sacco reveal how quickly professional disagreements can become public.
Sacco’s decision to share her perspective on a public platform forced the CEO to respond not only in a press interview but also on his own social media channels. His admission of being "triggered" and reacting impulsively reflects a growing recognition that executives are expected to manage their responses carefully, especially in the age of instant online commentary. From a legal standpoint, there are no known contractual violations reported in this case, but the controversy could influence future employment agreements in the gaming sector. Companies may begin to include explicit clauses about AI usage, ensuring that all parties understand when and how machine‑generated content will be employed.
For consumers, the practical impact of the AI disclaimer may be modest. The core gameplay of Rideshare Simulator—driving virtual rideshare vehicles, managing passenger requests, and navigating a cityscape—remains unchanged. However, the acknowledgment that some narrative elements or UI text may have been assisted by AI could affect perceptions of authenticity and craftsmanship. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI strategy and update the Steam page once the final feature set is locked down.
This suggests that the studio plans to integrate AI more deliberately, perhaps using it for localization, procedural content, or quality‑of‑life improvements, while still maintaining a human‑centric approach for the aspects that define the game's voice. In summary, the addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam listing represents Saber Interactive’s attempt to address a controversy that began with claims of a writer being replaced by ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized to former writer Stella Sacco, acknowledging his hasty reaction to criticism and expressing a willingness to make amends.
The incident shines a light on the evolving role of AI in game development, the necessity for transparent communication with audiences, and the delicate balance between technological efficiency and respect for human creativity. As the industry continues to grapple with these issues, both developers and players will be watching closely to see how studios like Saber navigate the intersection of innovation and accountability.