Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam listing 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 dispute that erupted when former writer Stella Sacco claimed that the studio had removed her from the project mid‑development and substituted her work with content generated by ChatGPT, as well as other undisclosed AI tools. The full text of the newly added notice 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 [he] would have been happy to replace her with AI." He further explained that he had never personally met Sacco, noting, "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 was already planning to be transparent about its AI usage. "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," he said.
He framed the decision to incorporate AI as a consumer benefit, especially because 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 added. The controversy reached a new level 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 episode highlights several broader industry trends. First, the use of AI for writing dialogue, marketing copy, and even in‑game assets is becoming increasingly common, especially for smaller studios seeking to stretch limited budgets. However, the lack of clear disclosure can lead to accusations of replacing human talent with machines, which in turn raises ethical and legal questions about authorship, compensation, and transparency. Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication channels between management and creative staff.
When a writer feels sidelined or replaced without adequate explanation, the resulting friction can quickly spill into the public sphere, damaging a studio's reputation. In this case, Sacco's claim that she was removed mid‑development and substituted with AI-generated text sparked a media firestorm, prompting the CEO to issue both a formal disclaimer and a personal apology.
Third, the situation reflects the growing scrutiny that gamers and journalists are applying to AI usage in games. Players are increasingly interested in knowing how much of a game's narrative or world‑building is crafted by human writers versus algorithms.
Studios that proactively disclose AI involvement may avoid backlash, while those that appear to hide it risk accusations of deception. From a legal standpoint, the dispute also touches on employment law. If a writer is terminated shortly after being replaced by AI, questions arise about whether the termination was lawful or if it constituted an unfair dismissal.
While the details of Sacco's contract have not been made public, her claim that she was dismissed "for a variety of reasons" after being replaced suggests a potential gray area that could be examined in future labor disputes. In response to the controversy, Saber Interactive has pledged to keep the Steam page updated as the development of Rideshare Simulator progresses. The company intends to provide a detailed breakdown of which specific components—such as quest text, NPC dialogue, or marketing descriptions—are being generated or assisted by AI tools.
This level of transparency aims to reassure both consumers and industry peers that the studio is not using AI as a covert shortcut, but rather as a supplemental resource that can enhance efficiency without compromising creative integrity. The broader gaming community has reacted with a mix of skepticism and support. Some developers argue that AI can democratize game creation, allowing smaller teams to produce high‑quality content without the overhead of large writing staffs. Others caution that over‑reliance on AI could erode the unique voice and nuance that human writers bring to interactive storytelling.
Ultimately, the Saber Interactive episode serves as a case study in how modern studios must navigate the delicate balance between embracing new technologies and maintaining trust with their creative talent and audience. By issuing a public AI disclaimer, offering a personal apology, and committing to ongoing transparency, the company hopes to mitigate the fallout and set a precedent for responsible AI usage in the industry. As the situation continues to evolve, observers will be watching closely to see whether the updated Steam page satisfies community expectations and whether any further legal or contractual actions emerge from Sacco's allegations. For now, the studio's primary focus appears to be finishing Rideshare Simulator with a clear, honest message about the role of artificial intelligence in its development, while attempting to repair the professional relationship that was strained during the controversy.