Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a formal disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools such as ChatGPT.
The company’s decision to make the AI notice public appears to be an effort to address community concerns, clarify the studio’s practices, and restore confidence among players and industry observers. The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 to July 2024.
Ms. Sacco has alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the creation of the game. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by another individual deemed more suitable for the role and that her contract was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He also added that, in hindsight, he would have considered using AI as a replacement." The controversy began when former writer Stella Sacco publicly stated that she had been let go from the Rideshare Simulator team and that her duties were subsequently filled by an AI language model.
Sacco’s allegations suggested that the studio had not only replaced her with ChatGPT but also employed additional AI-driven tools for tasks that had previously been handled by human staff. Her claims sparked a broader conversation about the ethical implications of AI in game development, especially regarding transparency, authorship, and the treatment of creative talent. Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded to the accusations in a series of interviews and social media posts.
He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he admitted that, looking back, he might have been open to using AI as a substitute. In an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her.
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 further framed the use of AI as a potential benefit for consumers, describing the technology as a "plus for customers" in the context of a lower‑priced title like Rideshare Simulator. He emphasized that the AI components were intended to streamline development and reduce costs, ultimately allowing the studio to offer the game at a more accessible price point.
The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, 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 later issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, where he acknowledged his own emotional reaction to the unfolding situation. He confessed, "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.
It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The episode highlights several key issues that are currently reshaping the video game industry. First, the integration of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models is becoming increasingly common for tasks ranging from narrative drafting to localization and even code generation.
While these technologies can accelerate production schedules and reduce labor costs, they also raise questions about authorship, intellectual property, and the fairness of replacing human creators with algorithms. Second, the controversy underscores the importance of clear communication and transparency with both employees and the gaming community.
When allegations of AI substitution surface, stakeholders expect studios to provide detailed disclosures about how and where AI is employed. Failure to do so can erode trust, provoke backlash, and potentially lead to legal scrutiny, especially if contractual obligations regarding credit and compensation are perceived to be violated. Third, the situation illustrates the human element behind corporate decision‑making.
Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—serves as a reminder that executives are not immune to emotional responses, particularly when faced with criticism. His willingness to apologize publicly, however, may help mitigate damage and open a path toward reconciliation with the aggrieved writer.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive’s addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page could set a precedent for other developers. As AI becomes a standard part of the development toolkit, studios may adopt similar notices to preempt controversy and demonstrate compliance with emerging industry guidelines. Some industry bodies are already drafting best‑practice frameworks that call for explicit labeling of AI‑generated content, fair compensation for displaced workers, and mechanisms for dispute resolution. For readers unfamiliar with the broader context, it is worth noting that the use of AI in creative industries has been a hotly debated topic for several years.
In film, music, and literature, creators have expressed concerns that AI could dilute artistic integrity or lead to job losses. In gaming, the stakes are particularly high because narrative and character development are deeply personal processes that often rely on the unique perspective of human writers. Saber Interactive’s case therefore serves as a microcosm of the larger conversation: how can studios harness the efficiency of AI while respecting the contributions of human talent? The answer likely lies in a balanced approach that leverages AI for repetitive or technical tasks while preserving human authorship for core storytelling elements.
Transparent policies, clear credit attribution, and open dialogue with staff can help ensure that the adoption of AI enhances rather than undermines the creative process. In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to allegations of AI‑driven writer replacement by adding a formal disclaimer to the Steam listing for Rideshare Simulator, clarifying its use of AI and addressing concerns raised by former writer Stella Sacco. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks and acknowledged his impulsive reaction. The incident brings to light ongoing debates about AI ethics, transparency, and the treatment of creative professionals within the gaming industry, and it may influence how other developers communicate AI usage to their audiences in the future.