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. This move comes after a heated public dispute in which a former writer for the project alleged that the company had dismissed her in favor of AI‑generated copy and that additional, undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the creation of the simulation. The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "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 claims she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT. She also alleges that other, still‑unannounced, AI technologies were used during the game's production." In a press interview, Karch responded to these accusations by stating that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added that, looking back, "I would have been happy to replace her with AI".
He further emphasized that he had never actually spoken to or met Sacco, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during a conversation with the podcast This Week In Videogames. Karch also clarified Saber’s broader stance on AI, noting, "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. We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for consumers." The controversy escalated 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." In a separate public statement on LinkedIn, Karch admitted to acting impulsively. "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 growing tension in the gaming industry between traditional creative roles and the increasing adoption of AI tools. Writers, designers, and artists are grappling with questions about authorship, compensation, and the ethical limits of machine‑generated content. While some developers tout AI as a cost‑saving measure that can accelerate prototyping and localization, others warn that over‑reliance on algorithms could dilute the human touch that many gamers cherish.
Saber Interactive’s decision to add the disclaimer is part of a broader trend toward transparency. Platforms such as Steam have begun to require developers to disclose the extent of AI involvement, especially after high‑profile cases where players felt misled about the originality of in‑game narratives or assets.
By openly acknowledging the role of ChatGPT and other AI systems, Saber hopes to pre‑empt further backlash and reassure its community that the final product will still meet quality expectations. Industry observers note that the timeline of Sacco’s employment—spanning exactly one year from July 2023 to July 2024—coincides with a period when AI language models experienced rapid improvements. This context may have influenced internal decisions about resource allocation, prompting the studio to experiment with AI for tasks such as dialogue generation, quest descriptions, and even marketing copy.
From a legal perspective, the dispute raises potential questions about employment contracts and intellectual property rights. If a writer’s contributions are partially or wholly replaced by AI, it is unclear how royalties or credit should be allocated.
Some labor advocates argue that companies need to establish clear policies that define when AI can be used and how human creators are compensated when their work is supplemented or superseded by machine output. For gamers, the practical impact of AI on Rideshare Simulator may be subtle.
The game, marketed as an affordable, low‑budget title, aims to simulate the day‑to‑day experience of rideshare drivers, including route planning, passenger interactions, and vehicle maintenance. If AI is employed to generate in‑game dialogue or scenario scripts, players might notice more varied or polished conversations, but they may also encounter repetitive phrasing typical of language models if not carefully curated.
In the wake of the controversy, Saber Interactive has pledged to monitor community feedback closely. The company indicated that any further adjustments to the AI disclaimer or the game's content will be communicated promptly via the Steam page and official social channels.
Karch’s public apology, while acknowledging his hasty reaction, also signals an attempt to rebuild trust with both former staff and the broader player base. Ultimately, the saga serves as a case study for how studios can navigate the delicate balance between innovation and accountability. As AI continues to permeate creative workflows, clear communication, fair treatment of human talent, and transparent disclosure will likely become essential components of sustainable game development.
Saber Interactive’s experience underscores the importance of these principles and may influence how other developers approach AI integration in the future.