Saber Interactive has now appended an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of criticism surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which appears prominently on the game’s page, acknowledges the use of AI tools in the project and aims to clarify the studio’s stance amid growing scrutiny.
The full 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 alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare development team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications throughout the game's creation." In a subsequent interview, Karch attempted to address the allegations.
He claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable swapping her out for an AI solution." He continued, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames.
He further explained, "We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain components of the game and will update the Steam page once the feature set is finalized." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating, "We view our AI integration in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a plus for players." The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, writing that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "I have stood firm from the start that my account was truthful; I think we can all now agree that it has been borne out. Matt expressed a desire to make it right with me; at this moment I’m not sure what that looks like, and I’ll need time to consider it, but I do at least accept his apology." Karch later issued a public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. 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 situation." The episode highlights a broader industry debate about the role of generative AI in game development.
As AI language models become more sophisticated, studios are increasingly experimenting with them for tasks ranging from narrative drafting to in‑game dialogue generation. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and enable smaller teams to produce content that would otherwise require larger staffing. Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may undermine creative integrity, marginalise human writers, and raise ethical concerns about attribution and transparency.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the AI disclaimer serves both as a legal safeguard and a communication tool. By openly acknowledging the presence of AI‑generated content, Saber hopes to pre‑empt accusations of deception and to reassure players that the studio is not attempting to hide its methods. The disclaimer also aligns with emerging best practices advocated by industry groups, which suggest that developers should disclose AI usage when it materially influences the player experience.
The fallout for Stella Sacco is still unfolding. After her public statements, she has received a mixture of support from fellow writers and industry observers who view her experience as a cautionary tale about the precarious position of creative staff in an AI‑augmented environment. Some have called for clearer contractual language that protects writers from being abruptly replaced by algorithms without due process.
Meanwhile, Matt Karch’s apology, though publicly posted, leaves many questions unanswered. He admitted to reacting impulsively, yet he has not provided concrete details about the steps the company will take to ensure fair treatment of its staff moving forward. Observers are watching to see whether Saber will implement new policies—such as mandatory human review of AI‑generated text, transparent reporting of AI usage, or a dedicated liaison for writer concerns—to rebuild trust.
The incident also underscores the importance of internal communication. According to the timeline, Sacco was let go in July 2024, and the allegations surfaced shortly thereafter. The rapid escalation suggests that internal channels for grievance resolution may have been insufficient, prompting Sacco to take her concerns to public platforms. Companies that integrate AI into creative pipelines are now being urged to establish clear escalation paths, so that disputes can be addressed before they become public relations crises.
From a consumer perspective, the reaction has been mixed. Some players appreciate the studio’s candor and view the AI disclaimer as a sign of transparency.
Others worry that AI could diminish the authenticity of the game's narrative, especially in a simulation that aims to portray realistic rideshare experiences. The community is debating whether AI‑assisted writing can still deliver the nuance and emotional resonance that human writers traditionally provide.
Looking ahead, the Rideshare Simulator controversy may serve as a case study for other developers navigating the AI frontier. It illustrates that while AI can be a powerful tool, its deployment must be managed with sensitivity to the human talent that traditionally drives storytelling.
Clear disclosure, respectful treatment of staff, and a willingness to engage with criticism are likely to become essential components of any studio’s AI strategy. In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to mounting criticism by adding an AI disclaimer to its Steam page, acknowledging that AI tools were used during the development of Rideshare Simulator. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized to former writer Stella Sacco, admitting that his initial reaction was hasty and emotional. The episode has sparked broader conversations about the ethical use of AI in gaming, the need for transparent communication, and the protection of creative professionals in an increasingly automated industry.