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 development. The move comes after a heated dispute that surfaced online, in which a former writer claimed she was removed from the project and supplanted by AI‑generated text.
In the wake of the allegations, the company felt compelled to be transparent about its practices, prompting the addition of the notice. The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments from Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco alleges that she was taken off the Rideshare Simulator team midway through production and that her responsibilities were filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI tools used during development.
In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by an individual he describes as more skilled and that her employment was terminated for a range of reasons a few months later. He also noted that, in hindsight, he would have considered using AI to replace her work." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch elaborated on the situation, stating, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or even seen her in person. We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain components of the game, and we will update the Steam page once the feature set is finalized." He continued, "We view the integration of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a benefit for consumers, providing cost savings that can be passed on to players." The controversy escalated when Sacco posted a message on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, indicating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "From the beginning I have stood firm that my account was truthful; it now appears that the facts support my claims.
Matt expressed a desire to make things right with me. At this point I am unsure what that will look like, and I need some time to process it, but I do accept his apology." Karch also issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, where he admitted, "I unfortunately got triggered by certain later comments—reasons I will not discuss here—and reacted impulsively, shooting first and thinking later about how to respond. It happens; I am only human. I have taken steps to rectify the situation to the best of my ability." The incident raises broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, especially in narrative‑driven video games where writing, character development, and dialogue are traditionally human‑crafted.
While AI tools like ChatGPT can assist with drafting prose, generating ideas, or polishing language, many developers and writers argue that the nuanced emotional resonance and contextual awareness required for compelling storytelling still demand a human touch. Industry observers note that the gaming sector has been experimenting with AI for years, using it for procedural content generation, testing, and even voice synthesis.
However, the public disclosure of AI replacing a human writer mid‑project is relatively rare and has sparked debate about ethical standards, transparency, and the treatment of creative talent. Critics of Saber Interactive's approach argue that the company should have communicated any AI involvement from the outset, rather than waiting for a controversy to force a retroactive disclaimer. They contend that employees deserve clear policies regarding AI usage and that audiences have a right to know how much of a game's narrative is machine‑generated versus human‑authored.
Supporters, on the other hand, point out that AI can be a cost‑effective tool for lower‑budget titles, allowing smaller studios to produce more content without compromising on quality. They suggest that, when used responsibly and with proper oversight, AI can augment rather than replace human creativity, freeing writers to focus on higher‑level design and storytelling tasks. The apology from Karch appears to be an attempt to mitigate damage to the company's reputation and to address the personal grievances of Sacco. By acknowledging his impulsive reaction and expressing a willingness to make amends, he may be seeking to restore trust both within the development team and among the broader gaming community.
Moving forward, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI policy and will provide updates on the Steam page once the final feature set is locked down. This suggests a commitment to greater transparency, though only time will tell whether the company's actions will satisfy skeptics or set a new standard for AI disclosure in the industry. In summary, the addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator's Steam listing reflects a growing awareness of the need for openness about machine‑assisted development. The episode underscores the delicate balance studios must strike between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and honoring the contributions of human creators.
As AI tools become increasingly sophisticated, the conversation about ethical usage, proper attribution, and fair treatment of writers is likely to intensify, shaping the future of game development in profound ways.