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 dispute that began when former writer Stella Sacco alleged that she was removed from the project midway and that her responsibilities were taken over by content generated by ChatGPT. Sacco also claimed that the studio had employed AI in other, still‑undisclosed aspects of the game’s creation.
The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "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." 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 that, looking back, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO further explained that he had never actually met Sacco, noting, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." Karch also told the podcast This Week In Videogames that the studio had already announced its intention to employ AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. He framed the use of AI as a benefit for players, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title.
"We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he said. The controversy took another turn when Sacco posted on BlueSky over the weekend, stating 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 also issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, in which he admitted to reacting emotionally to later comments about the dispute. "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." The episode highlights a growing tension in the video game industry between traditional creative labor and the increasing reliance on AI tools.
While developers argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and open up new creative possibilities, many writers, artists, and designers fear that their roles may be marginalized or replaced outright. In Sacco's case, the claim that she was supplanted by a language model sparked a broader conversation about transparency, consent, and the ethical use of AI in storytelling.
Industry observers note that the Steam platform has become a focal point for such debates, as developers are required to disclose AI usage in their store descriptions under new policy guidelines. Saber Interactive's decision to add the disclaimer appears to be an effort to comply with these regulations while also attempting to manage public perception. However, critics argue that the timing of the notice—coming after a public outcry—suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach.
From a legal standpoint, the situation raises questions about employment contracts and intellectual property. If a writer's contributions are replaced by AI‑generated text, it is unclear how copyright ownership is determined, especially when the original author may have contributed ideas, outlines, or narrative structures that the AI later refines. Some labor lawyers advise that studios should establish clear policies outlining when and how AI can be used, and ensure that employees are informed and consent to such practices.
For gamers, the practical impact of AI on Rideshare Simulator may be subtle. AI can be used to generate dialogue variations, procedural city layouts, or even to assist in balancing gameplay mechanics. If implemented thoughtfully, these tools could enrich the player experience by providing more dynamic content.
Conversely, an overreliance on AI could result in repetitive or generic storytelling, which may diminish the game's overall appeal. In the weeks ahead, Saber Interactive is expected to finalize the specifics of its AI integration and update the Steam page accordingly. The company has indicated that it will provide a more detailed breakdown of which game elements are AI‑assisted and which remain wholly human‑crafted. This transparency could serve as a model for other developers navigating the complex intersection of creativity and technology.
Meanwhile, Matt Karch's public apology and his candid admission of an impulsive response have been received with mixed reactions. Some view his willingness to own up to a mistake as a positive step toward accountability, while others remain skeptical, pointing to the broader systemic issues of how studios treat creative talent in the age of AI. Overall, the Saber Interactive saga underscores the importance of clear communication, ethical AI usage policies, and respect for the contributions of human creators. As the industry continues to experiment with AI, both developers and players will be watching closely to see how these tools shape the future of game design and narrative development.