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. The move comes after a heated debate erupted online, sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a human writer in favor of content generated by AI tools.
The situation has drawn considerable attention from both the gaming community and industry observers, prompting the company’s leadership to address the controversy head‑on. The full text of the newly added disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. According to Sacco, she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, with additional, previously undisclosed AI assistance used throughout the game's creation." In his public statements, Karch countered Sacco’s claims by saying she was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added that, in hindsight, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s remarks were captured in an interview with the video‑game podcast This Week In Videogames, where he further explained his limited personal interaction with Sacco. "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch said, referencing the AI model Claude. He continued, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, 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 asserted, suggesting that AI‑generated assets could help keep costs down and potentially improve the overall value proposition for players. The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform 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 later issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. "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 incident raises several broader questions about the evolving role of AI in video‑game development. On one hand, developers argue that AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models can accelerate the creation of dialogue, narrative branches, and even procedural content, thereby reducing production time and costs. On the other hand, critics worry that reliance on AI may marginalize human creators, erode the quality of storytelling, and lead to ethical concerns around attribution and labor practices.
Industry analysts note that the use of AI is not uniformly regulated across the sector. Some studios openly disclose AI assistance, while others keep it hidden, fearing backlash from fans who value handcrafted experiences. The Steam disclaimer added by Saber Interactive could be seen as an attempt to bring transparency to a practice that is becoming increasingly common but remains poorly understood by the public.
From a legal perspective, the situation also touches on employment law and contractual obligations. If a writer is dismissed specifically to replace them with AI‑generated content, questions may arise about whether the termination was justified or whether it violates any clauses regarding the use of technology in place of human labor. While no lawsuits have been filed in this case, the scenario could set a precedent for future disputes.
For gamers, the core concern often revolves around the quality of the final product. Will AI‑crafted dialogue feel as nuanced and emotionally resonant as that written by a seasoned writer? Can AI reliably capture the cultural references, humor, and character development that players have come to expect? These are open questions that will likely be answered over time as more titles experiment with AI integration.
In the meantime, Saber Interactive appears committed to moving forward. The company has pledged to finalize the feature set for Rideshare Simulator and update the Steam page accordingly, ensuring that any AI‑generated components are clearly labeled. The CEO’s public apology and acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction suggest an attempt to mend relationships with both the former writer and the broader community.
Whether this episode will lead to lasting changes in how studios communicate AI usage remains to be seen. It does, however, underscore the importance of transparency, respectful communication, and thoughtful consideration of the human impact when adopting new technologies.
As AI continues to reshape creative industries, the balance between efficiency and artistic integrity will be a central theme in discussions among developers, creators, and players alike.