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. This move comes after a heated debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The controversy centers on former staff member Stella Sacco, who claims she was removed from the project midway and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI tools. The full text of the new AI 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 a series of public statements, Karch attempted to clarify the situation.
He said that 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." The CEO’s tone shifted when he was interviewed by the podcast This Week In Videogames. There, he remarked, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had never met the writer in person. 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 finalised 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 explained, suggesting that AI could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience. The dispute escalated on social media when Sacco posted on 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. "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 posted.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The broader gaming community has taken note of this exchange, debating the ethical implications of replacing human writers with AI.
Critics argue that AI‑generated prose can lack the nuance, cultural context, and emotional depth that a seasoned writer brings to a narrative. Supporters, however, point out that AI tools can accelerate production, reduce costs, and allow smaller studios to compete in a market dominated by large publishers.
From a legal perspective, the situation raises questions about employment contracts and the rights of creators whose work may be partially or wholly superseded by machine‑generated content. If a writer is dismissed and their duties are handed over to an algorithm, does that constitute a breach of contract, or is it simply a strategic business decision? Labor lawyers suggest that clear clauses regarding AI usage should become standard in future employment agreements within the tech and entertainment sectors. In terms of industry trends, the use of AI in game development is not new.
Studios have been employing procedural generation for level design, AI‑driven animation, and even voice synthesis for years. What is relatively novel is the explicit replacement of a human writer with a language model for narrative content. This case may set a precedent for how other developers disclose AI involvement to consumers and regulators. Saber Interactive’s decision to add the disclaimer can be seen as a proactive step toward transparency.
By openly acknowledging the role of AI, the company may avoid potential backlash from players who feel misled about the authenticity of the game's story and dialogue. Transparency also aligns with emerging guidelines from platforms like Steam, which are beginning to require developers to disclose AI usage in their products. Looking ahead, the resolution between Sacco and Saber remains uncertain.
While Karch’s apology signals a willingness to mend fences, the specifics of any restitution—whether financial compensation, credit restoration, or future collaboration—have not been disclosed. The episode serves as a cautionary tale for studios navigating the delicate balance between innovation and respect for creative talent.
In summary, Saber Interactive has taken concrete steps to inform its audience about AI integration in Rideshare Simulator after a public dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks and acknowledged his impulsive reaction to criticism.
The incident highlights the growing pains of an industry increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence, underscoring the need for clear policies, ethical considerations, and open communication between developers, creators, and gamers.