Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a formal disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated debate sparked by allegations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with content generated by AI tools such as ChatGPT. The full text of the newly added notice 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 has claimed that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its production and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications throughout the game's creation." In a series of public statements, Karch attempted 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, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." He further explained that he had never met Sacco personally, noting, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames. Karch also reaffirmed that the studio was already employing AI for specific aspects of the title and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down.
"We view our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a benefit for consumers," Karch said, positioning the technology as a cost‑saving measure that could ultimately lower the price for players. The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible 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 highlights a broader industry debate about the role of AI in creative processes. Game developers have increasingly turned to machine‑learning models for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to writing dialogue, marketing copy, and even concept art. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and free human creators to focus on higher‑level design decisions.
Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may erode job security for writers, artists, and other creative professionals, and raise questions about authorship, originality, and ethical use of generated content. In Saber Interactive's case, the specific claim that a human writer was removed and replaced by an AI system touches on these concerns directly. Sacco's tenure at the company, spanning a full year, suggests she contributed to the early phases of Rideshare Simulator's development. Her allegation that she was ousted mid‑project and that her duties were handed over to ChatGPT implies a sudden shift in the studio's workflow, potentially motivated by budget constraints or a strategic decision to experiment with emerging technology.
Karch's response attempts to balance several competing narratives. On one hand, he acknowledges that a replacement occurred and that the replacement was, in his view, more talented—a statement that could be interpreted as a subtle critique of Sacco's performance. On the other hand, he expresses a willingness to consider AI as a viable substitute, positioning the studio as forward‑looking and innovative. By framing the AI integration as a consumer benefit, he seeks to defuse criticism and present the change as a value‑adding feature rather than a cost‑cutting measure.
The public apology posted by Sacco indicates that she feels some resolution has been reached, at least in terms of personal vindication. However, she also notes that she is uncertain what concrete steps will follow the apology, suggesting that the matter may remain unresolved in practical terms.
The lack of a clear remediation plan—such as reinstatement, compensation, or a formal acknowledgment of the writer's contributions—leaves open questions about how the industry will handle similar disputes in the future. From a legal standpoint, the use of AI-generated text in commercial products can raise intellectual property concerns.
If a game incorporates dialogue or narrative elements created by an algorithm, determining ownership of that content can become complex. Companies must navigate licensing agreements with AI providers, ensure that generated material does not infringe on existing works, and consider the moral rights of any human creators whose work may have been altered or supplanted.
The broader community response has been mixed. Some gamers and industry observers have expressed sympathy for Sacco, viewing her experience as a cautionary tale about the precarious nature of creative employment in a tech‑driven environment. Others have praised Saber Interactive for being transparent about its AI usage, arguing that openness is preferable to secrecy, especially as AI tools become more ubiquitous.
In the weeks ahead, the updated Steam disclaimer will likely be scrutinized by both consumers and regulators. If the studio follows through on its promise to detail the specific AI features once the final build is locked, it could set a precedent for how game publishers disclose AI involvement. Such transparency could become a standard expectation, akin to current practices around loot boxes, microtransactions, and data privacy. Ultimately, the Saber Interactive episode underscores the delicate balance companies must strike between embracing innovative technologies and honoring the contributions of human talent.
As AI continues to evolve, the industry will need clear guidelines, fair labor practices, and open communication to ensure that progress does not come at the expense of the people who craft the stories and experiences that players love.