Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had sidelined a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, publicly alleged that she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT. Sacco also suggested that other, still‑undisclosed aspects of the game’s creation had involved AI tools without proper acknowledgement.
In reaction to those accusations, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a statement that both defended the company’s practices and, paradoxically, hinted that he might have considered using AI even more extensively in hindsight. Karch said Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." He further claimed he had never actually spoken to or met Sacco, stating, "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 emphasized that Saber was already employing AI for certain components of Rideshare Simulator and that the company would update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized.
He framed the use of AI as a benefit for consumers, especially given that the game 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 situation escalated further when Sacco posted on the social 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 added a separate public comment on LinkedIn, attempting to explain his earlier reaction. He admitted, "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 addition of the AI disclaimer on Steam is a tangible acknowledgment that the company is now being more transparent about the role of artificial intelligence in its development pipeline.
The notice reads in full: "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." Industry observers note that this episode reflects a broader debate within the video‑game sector about the ethical and practical implications of using AI‑generated content. On one hand, developers argue that AI can accelerate asset creation, streamline localization, and reduce costs, particularly for smaller or mid‑tier projects. On the other hand, writers, artists, and other creative professionals worry that reliance on machine‑learning models may undermine job security, dilute artistic voice, and obscure accountability when AI‑produced material contains errors or biases. The controversy also raises questions about how companies disclose AI involvement to consumers.
While some studios have begun to label AI‑assisted features in their marketing materials, many gamers remain unaware of the extent to which AI contributes to narrative, dialogue, or even level design. By placing a disclaimer directly on the Steam store page, Saber Interactive is joining a growing list of publishers that are choosing to be more forthright, perhaps in response to mounting pressure from both the public and regulatory bodies.
From a legal perspective, the use of AI in creative works is still a gray area. Copyright law in many jurisdictions does not yet clearly define who owns the rights to text or art generated by algorithms, especially when a human provides prompts or edits the output.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, if AI was indeed used to replace a human writer, questions could arise about the contractual obligations Saber had to Sacco and whether the termination was lawful. For Sacco, the episode has become a personal and professional crossroads. In her BlueSky post, she expressed a willingness to consider Karch's apology but also indicated that she needs time to process what "making it right" might entail.
She has not yet detailed any specific restitution, such as reinstatement, compensation, or public acknowledgment beyond the apology. Meanwhile, Karch's candid admission that he acted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—has been met with mixed reactions.
Some commentators view his honesty as a refreshing departure from corporate spin, while others see it as an insufficient remedy for what they perceive as a deeper issue of disrespect toward a creative employee. The broader gaming community has taken note, with many players and developers weighing in on social media platforms. Some argue that AI can be a valuable tool when used responsibly and transparently, while others warn that unchecked adoption could erode the craft of storytelling that has long been a hallmark of video games.
In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to append an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator serves as both a public acknowledgment of the controversy and a signal that the company intends to be more open about its development practices. CEO Matt Karch's subsequent apology to former writer Stella Sacco, coupled with his admission of a hasty reaction, adds a human dimension to the dispute. As the industry continues to grapple with the integration of artificial intelligence, this episode may become a case study in how studios balance innovation, transparency, and respect for the creative professionals who shape their games.