Saber Interactive has taken the step of inserting a formal AI usage disclaimer on the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted surrounding allegations that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of artificial‑intelligence‑generated text. The move comes amid a broader conversation within the gaming industry about transparency, ethical AI deployment, and the treatment of creative staff. The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update reflects recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning the involvement of writer Stella Sacco in the development of Rideshare Simulator. The company acknowledges that Sacco, who was employed from July 2023 to July 2024, was removed from the project part‑way through production and that certain narrative and marketing elements were subsequently generated using ChatGPT.
Additional AI‑assisted processes were also employed in the creation of the game, and the Steam page will be updated once the final feature list is confirmed." The background to the notice began when former writer Stella Sacco publicly claimed that she had been taken off the Rideshare project mid‑development and that her responsibilities were handed over to an AI model, specifically ChatGPT. Sacco further alleged that other, yet‑to‑be‑announced AI tools had been integrated into various aspects of the game’s production, raising questions about the extent to which human authorship had been supplanted by machine‑generated content. In a series of remarks that quickly attracted media attention, CEO Matt Karch responded by asserting that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later." He added a provocative afterthought: "In retrospect, I would have been happy to replace her with AI." This statement was interpreted by many observers as a candid admission that the company was open to, or even preferring, AI substitution for human writers when it suited their workflow. Karch later appeared on the podcast "This Week In Videogames," where he tried to distance himself from the specifics of Sacco’s claim.
He said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," referencing the AI model Claude as a tongue‑in‑cheek way to highlight his lack of direct interaction with the former employee. He continued, "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 framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." This line of reasoning suggests that the company believes AI can reduce development costs, potentially leading to a lower retail price and perhaps faster updates or patches.
The situation escalated when Sacco posted on the social network 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, for his part, issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, attempting to explain his emotional reaction.
He admitted, "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 episode raises several broader issues that merit discussion.
First, the question of transparency: gamers and industry observers increasingly demand clear labeling when AI tools are used in content creation. A disclaimer on a storefront can serve as a basic form of disclosure, but critics argue that it may not be sufficient if the AI contribution is substantial.
Second, the ethical dimension of replacing human writers with algorithms. While AI can accelerate certain tasks, many argue that it cannot replicate the nuanced storytelling, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resonance that a seasoned writer brings to a narrative. Third, the legal implications are still murky.
Copyright law traditionally protects human authorship, and the extent to which AI‑generated text can be claimed as original work is still being debated in courts worldwide. Companies that rely heavily on AI may need to navigate new licensing agreements, data‑usage policies, and potential liability for biased or inaccurate content.
Finally, the personal impact on Sacco illustrates the human cost of these technological shifts. Her public statements highlight a feeling of being sidelined and replaced without adequate communication or compensation.
The apology from Karch, while a step toward reconciliation, leaves open questions about concrete actions—such as potential restitution, credit for her contributions, or a clear policy on AI use moving forward. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects a growing industry trend toward greater openness about machine‑assisted development. The controversy surrounding Stella Sacco’s departure underscores the need for clear, fair, and humane practices when integrating AI into creative pipelines.
As the gaming community watches closely, the company’s next moves—whether they involve further apologies, policy revisions, or additional disclosures—will likely influence how other studios balance efficiency, innovation, and respect for the human talent that has traditionally driven game storytelling.