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 erupted when former staff member Stella Sacco claimed that the studio had dismissed her from the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by ChatGPT, as well as other undisclosed AI tools.
The full disclaimer now reads: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by an AI system, specifically ChatGPT, while also suggesting that additional, yet‑to‑be‑publicized AI technologies were employed during development." In a series of public statements, Karch countered Sacco’s allegations. He asserted that Sacco "was replaced by a more talented individual and terminated for a range of reasons a few months later," and added, "In hindsight, I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He further clarified his lack of personal interaction with Sacco, saying, "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 the studio had already disclosed its intention to use AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. "We view our AI usage in this particular title, which is positioned as a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for the consumer," Karch explained, positioning the technology as a value‑add rather than a cost‑cutting measure. The controversy escalated over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, noting that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "I have been firm from the start that I was telling the truth; I think we can all now agree that it has 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, attempting to contextualise his earlier 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 wrote. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The incident highlights a broader industry debate about the role of AI in creative workflows. On one side, developers argue that AI can accelerate content creation, generate placeholder assets, and help small teams produce polished experiences without the overhead of large writing staffs. On the other side, writers and artists worry that reliance on machine‑generated text could erode the quality of narrative, diminish job security, and obscure accountability when AI‑generated content contains errors or biases. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is marketed as a more affordable, niche simulation experience that aims to capture the day‑to‑day challenges of rideshare drivers.
The developers have promised a blend of realistic physics, dynamic city environments, and a narrative that reflects the gig‑economy lifestyle. By adding the AI disclaimer, Saber Interactive appears to be aligning with emerging platform policies that require transparency about machine‑generated content, especially when it could influence player perception or affect the authenticity of the story.
Industry observers note that the Steam platform has begun to enforce stricter labeling requirements for AI usage, following similar moves by major storefronts such as the Epic Games Store and console marketplaces. These policies are intended to give consumers clear information about what portion of a game’s text, dialogue, or design may have been produced by algorithms rather than human creators. Saber’s decision to publicly acknowledge AI involvement could also be a strategic move to pre‑empt further criticism.
By being upfront, the studio may hope to mitigate backlash, retain trust among its player base, and demonstrate compliance with upcoming regulatory guidance on AI disclosure. The company has indicated that the AI components are limited to certain in‑game messages, procedural generation of minor quest text, and some marketing copy, rather than core story arcs or character development.
Meanwhile, the personal dimension of the dispute remains unresolved. Sacco’s claim that she was removed from the project and replaced by AI raises questions about internal hiring practices and the transparency of performance evaluations.
Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively to comments suggests a lapse in professional communication, though his subsequent apology indicates an attempt to repair the relationship. Both parties appear to be taking a cautious approach moving forward. Sacco has expressed willingness to accept the apology but has not detailed any specific reparations or next steps.
Karch, for his part, has pledged to continue refining the game’s AI usage and to keep the community informed through future Steam updates. The broader takeaway for developers is clear: as AI tools become more integrated into game production pipelines, studios must balance efficiency gains with ethical considerations, employee relations, and consumer transparency. The Saber Interactive episode serves as a case study in how quickly a dispute over AI can evolve from internal personnel issues to public scrutiny, prompting both companies and platforms to revisit their policies on disclosure and accountability.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects a growing industry trend toward openness about machine‑generated content. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco underscores the personal ramifications of such controversies, while the ongoing dialogue highlights the need for clear guidelines that protect both creators and consumers in an era where AI is an increasingly common tool in game development.