Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal AI usage disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s stance on artificial‑intelligence tools and to address the specific allegations raised by a former employee.
The full 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." The background to the statement involves a series of public statements made by both the former writer, Stella Sacco, and Saber’s chief executive, Matt Karch. Sacco, who served as a lead writer on Rideshare Simulator for roughly a year, publicly claimed that she was taken off the project before its completion and that her responsibilities were handed over to an AI system—specifically OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
In addition to the personnel change, Sacco alleged that the studio had employed other artificial‑intelligence tools in undisclosed ways throughout the game’s creation, raising concerns about transparency, authorship, and the ethical use of AI in creative industries. In response, Karch issued a statement that attempted to counter Sacco’s accusations. He asserted that Sacco had "been replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added a provocative comment that, in hindsight, he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." This remark sparked further backlash, as many observers interpreted it as an admission that the studio was comfortable using AI as a substitute for human writers. Karch later elaborated in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, saying, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He explained that the studio had already disclosed its intention to incorporate AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. According to Karch, the use of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—should be viewed as a benefit for consumers, presumably because it could lower development costs and potentially result in a more affordable product. The controversy took another turn when Sacco posted on the social network 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, 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 incident highlights several broader issues that are currently shaping the video‑game industry. First, the increasing accessibility of sophisticated AI language models has made it tempting for studios to experiment with automated content generation, whether for dialogue, quest descriptions, or marketing copy. While AI can accelerate certain workflows, it also raises questions about authorship, compensation, and the preservation of a distinct creative voice.
When a human writer is replaced—or perceived to be replaced—by a machine, the ethical implications become especially pronounced. Second, the episode underscores the importance of clear communication and transparency with both employees and the public. By initially denying any direct interaction with Sacco and later adding a disclaimer after the fact, Saber Interactive created a perception of evasiveness.
In an industry where community trust can directly affect sales and reputation, such missteps can have lasting repercussions. Third, the situation illustrates the emotional dynamics that can arise when controversial topics are discussed publicly.
Karch’s admission that he "shot first and thought second" reflects a common human tendency to react impulsively when faced with criticism. While his subsequent apology and the addition of the AI disclaimer demonstrate an effort to make amends, the episode serves as a reminder that leaders must consider the potential impact of their words before responding. From a legal standpoint, there are also potential ramifications.
Employment contracts often contain clauses related to termination procedures, confidentiality, and intellectual property. If a writer’s contributions are replaced by AI-generated text, questions may arise about ownership of the resulting content and whether the writer’s rights have been infringed. Although no lawsuit has been reported in this case, the scenario could set a precedent for future disputes involving AI and creative labor.
For consumers, the inclusion of an AI disclaimer may affect purchasing decisions. Some players may appreciate the transparency and view AI assistance as a cost‑saving measure that could lower the game’s price.
Others might worry that AI could diminish the narrative depth or emotional resonance that a human writer typically provides. The industry is still grappling with how to balance these competing expectations. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI usage notice on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an attempt to address a controversy that began with a former writer’s claim of being replaced by ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch’s subsequent public apologies and acknowledgments of impulsive behavior illustrate the challenges companies face when navigating the intersection of emerging technology, employee relations, and public perception. As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into game development pipelines, studios will need to develop robust policies, clear communication strategies, and ethical guidelines to ensure that both creators and players feel respected and informed.