Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. This move comes after a heated debate sparked by allegations that the company had removed a human writer from the project and substituted her work with text generated by AI tools.
The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco claims she was taken off the Rideshare project midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications used during development." In a public statement, Karch countered Sacco’s claims by saying she was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He further elaborated during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, stating, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her. We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain aspects of the game and will update the Steam page once we finalize the feature set." Karch emphasized that the company views the integration of AI into this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a benefit for players, describing it as "a plus for consumers." He suggested that the technology could streamline production, reduce costs, and potentially allow the team to focus on other creative elements that enhance the overall experience.
The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social network 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 comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. "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 incident raises broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, especially in video game development where narrative, dialogue, and world‑building have traditionally been the domain of human writers. Proponents argue that AI can serve as a powerful tool for generating drafts, brainstorming ideas, or handling repetitive tasks, thereby freeing writers to focus on higher‑level storytelling. Critics, however, warn that over‑reliance on machine‑generated text may dilute the authenticity of characters, reduce job opportunities for skilled writers, and create ethical dilemmas regarding attribution and transparency.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as an affordable, simulation‑style experience that aims to capture the day‑to‑day challenges of rideshare drivers. By labeling the AI usage openly on its Steam page, Saber hopes to pre‑empt further backlash and reassure consumers that they are being honest about the production process. The disclaimer also serves as a safeguard against potential legal disputes, as several jurisdictions are beginning to consider regulations that require clear labeling of AI‑generated content. Industry observers note that this situation is not isolated.
Over the past year, multiple studios have faced scrutiny after reports surfaced that AI was being used to replace human staff in areas ranging from concept art to narrative design. Some developers have responded by establishing internal guidelines that dictate when and how AI tools may be employed, often requiring human oversight and final approval before any AI‑generated material is published.
For writers like Sacco, the episode underscores the precarious nature of employment in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. While she asserts that her contributions were genuine and that her removal was unjust, the company’s narrative suggests a strategic shift toward cost‑effective automation.
The public apology from Karch, though earnest in tone, leaves many questions unanswered about compensation, credit, and the future of human‑authored content within Saber Interactive’s pipeline. Looking ahead, the gaming community will likely watch closely how Saber Interactive implements its AI strategy across other projects. Will the company continue to lean on AI for low‑budget titles while reserving human talent for flagship releases? How will they balance transparency with competitive advantage?
And most importantly, how will they rebuild trust with creators who feel sidelined by the rise of machine‑generated prose? In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects both a response to public criticism and a broader industry trend toward greater openness about machine assistance. CEO Matt Karch’s apology to former writer Stella Sacco acknowledges a misstep in communication, but the underlying issues surrounding AI adoption, writer displacement, and consumer expectations remain complex and unresolved. The conversation is far from over, and it will likely shape how future games are written, marketed, and experienced by players worldwide.