Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a formal disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. This move comes after a heated public dispute in which former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was dismissed from the project and substituted with content generated by ChatGPT, as well as other undisclosed AI tools.
The company’s leadership, headed by CEO Matt Karch, has now sought to clarify the situation and address the allegations publicly. The newly added notice reads in full: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who worked at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024, and stated she was removed from Rideshare midway through development and replaced with ChatGPT, while alleging other then‑unannounced use of AI in the game's development." In his response, Karch explained that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added a reflective comment that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace 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 emphasized that the studio has already acknowledged the use of AI for certain portions of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set is finalized.
He framed the AI integration as a benefit for players, noting that Rideshare Simulator is intended to be a lower‑priced title and that AI assistance could help keep costs down while delivering a richer experience. The controversy escalated when 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." Sacco's message highlighted her belief that the facts she presented had been corroborated and that Karch's subsequent apology was a step toward resolution, even if the specifics of any restitution remained unclear. Karch also took to LinkedIn to issue a public statement, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. He wrote, "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." This admission of impulsive behavior was framed as an honest, if imperfect, attempt to correct the narrative and make amends.
The broader industry context adds layers to this dispute. Over the past few years, game developers have increasingly experimented with AI tools for tasks ranging from procedural level design to narrative generation and marketing copy. While some studios tout the efficiency gains and creative possibilities offered by AI, others have faced backlash when the technology is perceived to replace human talent without proper acknowledgment or compensation.
The debate often centers on issues of authorship, transparency, and the ethical responsibilities of studios toward their employees. In Saber Interactive's case, the specific claim that a writer was removed and substituted with AI‑generated text raised concerns about labor practices and the value placed on human creativity.
Sacco's tenure at the company, from July 2023 to July 2024, coincided with a period of rapid development for Rideshare Simulator, a game that simulates the day‑to‑day challenges of rideshare drivers. The project was marketed as an affordable, accessible simulation experience, and the promise of AI assistance was presented as a way to keep the price low while still delivering high‑quality content.
Critics argue that using AI to replace a writer mid‑development could undermine the narrative cohesion and authenticity of the game's storytelling. Proponents, however, contend that AI can serve as a useful tool for generating placeholder text, refining dialogue, or even brainstorming ideas, provided that human oversight remains in place.
The key point of contention is whether the AI was employed as a supplement or as a wholesale replacement for a human writer. Karch's apology, while acknowledging his hasty reaction, stops short of providing concrete details about how the company plans to address Sacco's grievances beyond a general statement of wanting to "make it right." The lack of a clear remediation plan leaves room for speculation about potential settlements, reinstatement, or other forms of compensation.
It also raises the question of how other studios might handle similar situations in the future, especially as AI tools become more sophisticated and widely available. The Steam disclaimer now serves as a formal acknowledgment that AI was used in some capacity during the game's creation. By publicly documenting this fact, Saber Interactive aims to increase transparency and possibly preempt further criticism. The notice also signals to consumers that the studio is aware of the growing scrutiny surrounding AI in game development and is taking steps—albeit modest—to keep players informed.
From a consumer perspective, the impact of AI on the final product may be minimal or significant, depending on how deeply the technology was integrated. For a lower‑priced title like Rideshare Simulator, the promise of AI‑enhanced efficiency could translate into a smoother, more polished experience without raising the cost.
Conversely, if AI was used to cut corners on narrative depth, players might notice a lack of nuance or emotional resonance in the game's storytelling. In summary, Saber Interactive's recent actions reflect a broader industry reckoning with AI's role in creative workflows. The company has added a disclaimer to its Steam page, clarified its stance on AI usage, and issued an apology that acknowledges both the emotional misstep by its CEO and the underlying concerns raised by a former writer. While the exact terms of any remediation remain undisclosed, the episode underscores the importance of transparency, respectful treatment of talent, and thoughtful integration of emerging technologies in the gaming sector.