Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated copy. The notice, which now sits 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 gaming community and the media. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "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." The background to this statement involves a series of public remarks made by the company’s chief executive, Matt Karch, about the circumstances surrounding former staff member Stella Sacco.
Sacco, who served as a lead writer on Rideshare Simulator, alleged that she was taken off the project part‑way through production and that her responsibilities were handed over to a version of ChatGPT. In addition to that claim, she suggested that other, undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game’s creation, raising questions about the transparency of Saber’s development practices.
In response, Karch offered a terse explanation, asserting that Sacco had "been replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and went on to say that "in retrospect [he] would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s comments were captured in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he further admitted a lack of personal familiarity with Sacco: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." Karch also emphasized that the company had already disclosed its intention to use AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized.
He framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title: "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers." The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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 statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. "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 several broader trends in the video‑game industry.
First, the increasing reliance on generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models for tasks ranging from narrative drafting to marketing copy. While these technologies can accelerate production and reduce costs, they also raise ethical questions about authorship, compensation, and the preservation of creative voices. In Sacco’s case, the allegation that a human writer was supplanted by an algorithm sparked a debate about whether AI should be used as a supplement or a replacement for skilled professionals. Second, the episode underscores the importance of transparent communication with both employees and consumers.
By posting a disclaimer after the fact, Saber Interactive appears to be attempting to mitigate reputational damage, but the timing suggests that the company may have been reactive rather than proactive. Industry observers note that clear policies regarding AI usage—ideally documented in employment contracts and publicly disclosed in product listings—can help avoid misunderstandings and potential legal disputes. Third, the personal dimension of the controversy cannot be ignored. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively after being "triggered" by later comments reveals the human element behind corporate statements.
It serves as a reminder that executives, despite their public personas, are susceptible to emotional responses, especially when faced with criticism or allegations that could affect a brand’s image. For gamers and fans of Rideshare Simulator, the practical outcome of the AI disclaimer may be limited. The core gameplay experience—driving rideshare vehicles, navigating city traffic, and managing passenger expectations—remains unchanged. However, the narrative and dialogue portions of the game could contain AI‑generated text, which may affect the tone, humor, and authenticity that players expect from a story‑driven simulation.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI strategy and provide updates as the development of Rideshare Simulator progresses. The company’s willingness to publicly acknowledge the controversy and to issue an apology, albeit after considerable pressure, may help restore some trust among its community.
Nevertheless, the situation serves as a cautionary tale for other studios navigating the balance between cutting‑edge technology and the human talent that traditionally drives creative projects. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page follows a contentious exchange involving former writer Stella Sacco, accusations of AI replacement, and a public apology from CEO Matt Karch.
The episode reflects larger industry conversations about the role of artificial intelligence in game development, the necessity for transparent communication, and the personal dynamics that can shape corporate responses. As the industry continues to experiment with AI, the lessons learned from this dispute may inform future policies and practices, ensuring that both creators and consumers are treated fairly and kept informed about the technologies shaping their entertainment experiences.