Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated debate erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently handed over to ChatGPT. Sacco also suggested that other, as‑yet‑undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game's creation, raising questions about transparency and labor practices in the industry. In response to the allegations, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation.
He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s remarks were captured in an interview with the video‑game podcast This Week In Videogames, where he admitted, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed its intention to use AI for specific components of Rideshare Simulator and that a formal update to the Steam page would be posted once the feature set was finalized. The CEO framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting that the title would be priced lower than many flagship releases and that AI assistance could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience.
He said, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers," suggesting that the technology would enable faster iteration and potentially richer content without raising the price tag. The situation escalated further when Sacco took to the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, posting 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." Her statement indicated a willingness to consider reconciliation, though she emphasized that she needed time to evaluate what a satisfactory resolution would entail.
Karch also posted a personal comment on LinkedIn, where he reflected on his reaction to the controversy. "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." This admission of impulsive behavior was meant to convey a sense of accountability, though critics argued that it fell short of a concrete plan for addressing the underlying issues. The addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page marks a tangible step toward greater transparency. The notice reads in full: "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." By publicly acknowledging the role of AI, Saber aims to quell speculation and demonstrate compliance with platform policies that require developers to disclose the use of generative technologies.
Industry observers note that this episode highlights a broader tension within video‑game development: the balance between leveraging cutting‑edge AI tools to accelerate production and maintaining ethical labor standards for creative professionals. As AI models become more capable of generating dialogue, narrative arcs, and even level design, studios are grappling with questions about authorship, compensation, and the potential displacement of human writers. Some analysts argue that AI can serve as a collaborative assistant, augmenting a writer's workflow rather than replacing it outright. Others warn that unchecked adoption could erode the craft of storytelling and diminish opportunities for emerging talent.
For players, the practical impact of the AI disclaimer may be limited. Rideshare Simulator is positioned as an affordable, niche experience that simulates the daily life of a rideshare driver, complete with realistic cityscapes, passenger interactions, and a dynamic economy. Whether AI‑generated text will affect the game's humor, character depth, or overall immersion remains to be seen.
The development team has promised to update the Steam page once the feature set is locked, suggesting that further details about which specific elements—such as in‑game prompts, tutorial text, or marketing copy—are AI‑derived will be forthcoming. In the meantime, the saga serves as a cautionary tale for other studios contemplating AI integration.
Clear communication with both staff and the public, robust internal policies, and a willingness to address grievances promptly can help avoid the kind of backlash Saber experienced. As the technology continues to evolve, the industry will likely see more formal guidelines from platform holders like Steam, as well as potential regulatory scrutiny regarding disclosure and labor rights. Overall, Saber Interactive's decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam storefront, coupled with Matt Karch's public apology and acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction, represents an attempt to mend relationships with a former employee and to reassure the gaming community about the company's ethical standards. Whether these measures will restore trust or simply serve as a temporary band‑aid remains an open question, but the episode underscores the importance of transparency and respect for creative contributors in an era where artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly common tool in game development.