Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam listing 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 public dispute in which the company was accused of dismissing a writer working on the project and substituting her contributions with content generated by AI tools such as ChatGPT. The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the role of AI in creative industries, the ethics of replacing human talent with machine‑generated text, and the responsibilities of studios to be transparent with their audiences. The full disclaimer now displayed on the Steam store page reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments from Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch regarding former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 to July 2024.
Sacco claims she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her duties were subsequently filled by an AI system. The company acknowledges the use of AI for certain aspects of the game and will provide further details once the feature set is finalized." The background of the dispute centers on statements made by Matt Karch in an interview with the YouTube channel This Week In Videogames.
Karch explained that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, somewhat provocatively, 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," indicating that he had never met the writer in person.
Karch also emphasized that the studio’s use of AI was intended to be a benefit for consumers, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. He promised that the Steam page would be updated once the AI‑related features were fully defined. The allegations made by Sacco were posted on the social networking platform BlueSky over the weekend.
In her statement, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "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 response to the situation. 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." The episode raises several important issues for the gaming community and for the industry at large. First, it highlights the growing reliance on AI tools for generating narrative content, dialogue, and even design documentation. While AI can accelerate production pipelines and reduce costs, the substitution of a human writer with a language model raises questions about creative integrity, authorship, and the value placed on human storytelling skills. Critics argue that AI‑generated text often lacks the nuance, emotional depth, and cultural awareness that a seasoned writer brings to a project.
Supporters, on the other hand, point out that AI can serve as a useful assistant, offering drafts, suggestions, or translations that can be refined by human creators. Second, the incident underscores the importance of transparency. Players and consumers increasingly demand honesty about how games are made, especially when it involves emerging technologies that may affect the final experience. By adding the disclaimer, Saber Interactive is attempting to address the demand for clarity, but the timing of the notice—after public outcry—suggests that proactive disclosure might have avoided much of the backlash.
Third, the situation illustrates the human side of corporate communication. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—reflects a common pitfall for executives who are thrust into the spotlight. While his willingness to apologize publicly is a positive step, the episode also serves as a cautionary tale about the need for measured responses, especially when allegations involve employment decisions and alleged mistreatment. From a broader perspective, the gaming industry is at a crossroads where AI tools are becoming mainstream.
Studios are experimenting with AI for everything from procedural level generation to voice synthesis. As these technologies mature, industry bodies and labor organizations are beginning to discuss guidelines for ethical AI use, fair compensation, and the preservation of creative jobs. The Saber Interactive controversy may become a case study in future debates about how to balance efficiency gains with respect for the creative workforce.
For fans of Rideshare Simulator, the immediate impact is twofold. On one hand, the game may benefit from AI‑enhanced features such as more dynamic traffic patterns, realistic passenger dialogues, or adaptive mission objectives. On the other hand, some players may feel uneasy about the extent to which a machine contributed to the narrative experience they expect from a simulation game that aims to capture the human element of ride‑hailing work. In conclusion, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam page, coupled with CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco, reflects a moment of reckoning for the studio.
It demonstrates the challenges of integrating AI into creative pipelines, the necessity of clear communication with the public, and the personal responsibility leaders bear when controversies arise. As the industry continues to explore AI’s potential, the hope is that studios will adopt best practices that honor both technological innovation and the talented individuals who bring games to life.