Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's creation. This move comes after a heated dispute erupted when a former employee, writer Stella Sacco, claimed that the company had dismissed her from the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by ChatGPT, as well as other undisclosed AI tools.
The full text of the new 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 the wake of Sacco’s allegations, Karch issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added a candid admission that, looking back, he would have been comfortable swapping her out for an AI system. "In retrospect, I would have been happy to replace her with AI," Karch said.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated, "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 been transparent about employing AI for certain components of the game and that a more detailed update would be posted on 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," he added. The controversy intensified when Sacco posted on the social networking platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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 later responded publicly 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 confessed. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The episode raises broader questions about the growing role of AI in game development and the ethical considerations surrounding its use.
While AI can accelerate content creation, streamline localization, and generate placeholder assets, the substitution of a human writer—especially one who contributed to narrative design, character development, and world‑building—can be perceived as a devaluation of creative labor. Industry observers note that the line between assistance and replacement is still being drawn, and transparency is crucial for maintaining trust with both employees and the gaming community. From a legal standpoint, the allegations also touch on potential contractual obligations. Many employment agreements contain clauses about intellectual property ownership and the right to credit contributors.
If a writer is removed mid‑project and their work is supplanted by AI, questions arise regarding the ownership of any material that may have been partially derived from the original author’s ideas. Moreover, the public nature of the dispute highlights the importance of clear internal communication policies to prevent misunderstandings that can quickly become PR crises. Saber Interactive’s decision to add the AI disclaimer can be seen as an attempt to mitigate reputational damage and to align with emerging industry standards. Several major studios have begun to publish AI usage statements, detailing where machine‑generated content appears, how it is vetted, and what safeguards are in place to ensure quality and originality.
By doing so, they aim to reassure players that the final product meets the same creative standards as traditionally crafted games. The CEO’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—offers a rare glimpse into the pressures executives face when navigating public criticism. It also underscores the need for measured, thoughtful responses in the digital age, where statements can be amplified instantly across social media platforms.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s recent actions reflect a confluence of modern challenges: integrating AI responsibly, honoring the contributions of human creators, and managing public perception when disputes arise. The company’s updated Steam disclaimer, coupled with Karch’s public apology, signals an effort to address the controversy head‑on while signaling to the broader gaming audience that AI will be used transparently and as a complement—not a replacement—to human talent. The situation remains a case study for other developers grappling with similar decisions about AI adoption, employee relations, and the importance of clear, honest communication in an increasingly automated creative landscape.