Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, by adding a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. This move comes after a heated dispute that erupted when former writer Stella Sacco alleged that the studio had dismissed her midway through production and substituted her work with content generated by ChatGPT, as well as hinted at other undisclosed AI applications throughout the project. The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco claims she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator team during development and that her responsibilities were taken over by an AI language model, specifically ChatGPT.
She also suggested that additional, as‑yet‑unannounced AI tools were employed during the creation of the game." In the wake of those accusations, Karch responded publicly, stating that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and adding that "in retrospect I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He went on to say, "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. Karch also emphasized that the studio had already disclosed that AI would be used for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam listing once the feature set was finalized. "We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers," he asserted.
The controversy continued to unfold on social media. Over the weekend, Sacco posted on the BlueSky platform 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 statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the situation. "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 episode raises several broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, especially in narrative-driven video games. On one hand, developers argue that AI tools can accelerate writing, generate placeholder text, and assist with localization, potentially lowering production costs and allowing smaller studios to deliver richer experiences.
On the other hand, critics warn that relying on AI may undermine the craft of professional writers, dilute originality, and raise ethical concerns about attribution and compensation. Industry analysts note that the gaming sector has seen a surge in AI experimentation over the past two years, with studios experimenting with everything from procedural level design to AI‑generated music and voice lines.
However, the line between supportive tooling and wholesale replacement of human talent remains blurry. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the core controversy centers on whether a writer was outright removed in favor of a language model, or whether AI was simply used as a supplementary aid.
Legal experts point out that employment contracts and intellectual property agreements often lack specific language addressing AI‑generated content, leaving both employers and creators in a gray area. If a writer's contributions are replaced by AI, questions arise about severance, credit, and potential claims of wrongful termination. Conversely, if AI is used with the writer's consent as a collaborative tool, the relationship may be viewed as a modern iteration of the writer‑editor dynamic.
From a consumer perspective, transparency is key. Players who purchase a game expecting a handcrafted narrative might feel misled if significant portions are produced by an algorithm. The Steam disclaimer can be seen as an attempt to manage expectations and avoid accusations of deceptive marketing. It also aligns with emerging industry standards that call for clear labeling of AI‑generated assets, similar to the labeling requirements being discussed for deepfake media.
The public reaction to the dispute has been mixed. Some members of the gaming community have rallied behind Sacco, emphasizing the importance of protecting creative jobs and calling for stricter regulations on AI use in game development. Others have defended Karch’s position, arguing that AI can be a legitimate tool that, when used responsibly, enhances productivity without necessarily displacing talent. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI policy and provide updates as the development of Rideshare Simulator progresses.
The studio’s commitment to adding the disclaimer suggests a willingness to be more forthcoming about its workflow, which could set a precedent for other developers facing similar scrutiny. In summary, the saga involving Saber Interactive, Matt Karch, and former writer Stella Sacco underscores the growing pains of integrating artificial intelligence into creative pipelines. While AI offers undeniable efficiencies, the industry must navigate the ethical, legal, and reputational challenges that arise when human creators feel supplanted.
Transparency, clear communication, and fair treatment of staff will likely become essential pillars for studios seeking to harness AI without alienating their workforce or their audience.