Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s profile, acknowledges the use of AI tools in certain aspects of the project and promises further updates once the development team finalises the exact features that will rely on such technology.
The controversy began when former Saber employee Stella Sacco, who served as a writer on Rideshare Simulator from July 2023 until July 2024, went public with allegations that she was removed from the project midway through its development cycle and substituted with output from ChatGPT. Sacco also hinted that other, as‑yet‑undisclosed AI applications had been employed throughout the game’s creation, raising questions about the transparency of the studio’s workflow and the ethical treatment of its staff.
In a series of statements, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, attempted to address the accusations. He initially claimed that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, in retrospect, that he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." This remark, interpreted by many as dismissive, intensified the backlash and prompted further scrutiny of the studio’s hiring practices and its reliance on generative‑AI tools. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared flustered when pressed about Sacco’s involvement.
"Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI model Claude as a tongue‑in‑cheek way of indicating his lack of direct contact with the former writer. He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed the use of AI for specific components of the game and that a more comprehensive statement would be added to the Steam page once the feature set was locked down. Karch framed the use of artificial intelligence 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 the cost savings and efficiency gains from AI could translate into a better price point or additional content for players. The situation took another turn 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'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, in which he admitted that his reaction to the unfolding drama had been hasty. "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 addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page marks a concrete step toward greater transparency, but it also raises broader industry questions about how studios balance the efficiency of machine‑generated content with the rights and recognition of human creators.
As AI models become more capable of producing narrative text, dialogue, and even level design, developers are grappling with the ethical implications of replacing skilled writers with algorithms. Critics argue that while AI can assist with routine tasks, it should not be used to sideline experienced professionals, especially without clear communication. For Sacco, the episode underscores the personal impact of such decisions.
Being removed from a high‑profile project and allegedly supplanted by a chatbot can be both professionally and emotionally damaging. Her public statements suggest a desire for accountability and a clear record of what transpired, rather than simply being swept under the rug.
From a consumer standpoint, the disclaimer may reassure players who are concerned about the authenticity of the game's storytelling. Knowing that some dialogue or descriptive text may have been generated by an AI model could influence expectations about narrative depth and originality. However, the exact extent of AI involvement remains vague, and the promise to update the page once the feature set is finalised leaves room for speculation.
Industry observers note that this incident could serve as a cautionary tale for other developers. Transparent policies regarding AI usage, clear attribution, and respectful treatment of staff are likely to become increasingly important as the technology matures. Companies that pre‑emptively disclose their AI workflows may avoid the kind of public relations fallout that Saber Interactive now faces. In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to criticism by publicly acknowledging AI usage on its Steam store page and by offering an apology from CEO Matt Karch to former writer Stella Sacco.
The apology, coupled with Karch’s admission of an impulsive reaction, reflects an attempt to mend relations and restore trust. Whether these measures will be sufficient to quell the controversy remains to be seen, but the episode highlights the evolving conversation around AI, authorship, and ethical practices in game development.