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 controversy erupted surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The move appears to be a direct response to public scrutiny and internal statements that highlighted a contentious personnel change during the game’s development cycle. The newly posted disclaimer reads in full: "This update follows recent comments made by Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024.
Sacco has alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed uses of artificial intelligence throughout the game's creation." In the wake of these allegations, Karch offered his own account of the situation, stating that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and adding, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He further clarified his personal familiarity 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 noted that the studio had already disclosed its intention to employ AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. The CEO framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We view our AI integration in this particular game as a value‑add for players," he said, suggesting that the technology would help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience.
The controversy took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, describing Karch's public apology. She wrote that the CEO had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." Sacco emphasized that she had stood firm from the beginning, insisting that her claims were truthful, and noted that she now believed the facts had been corroborated.
"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," she added. Karch, for his part, posted a separate statement on LinkedIn acknowledging his own emotional 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 raises broader questions about the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries, especially in narrative‑driven media such as video games. While AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and others can accelerate content creation, generate dialogue, or even assist with localization, the decision to replace a human writer entirely is still a sensitive matter. Critics argue that AI lacks the nuanced understanding of character development, cultural context, and emotional resonance that a seasoned writer brings to a project.
Supporters, however, point to the efficiency gains and cost savings that AI can provide, particularly for smaller studios or lower‑budget titles. Industry observers note that the gaming sector has seen a surge in AI adoption over the past few years.
From procedural level design to automated testing, AI is increasingly woven into the development pipeline. Yet, the ethical considerations remain under‑discussed. Transparency about AI usage, clear attribution, and fair labor practices are becoming focal points for both creators and consumers who demand authenticity.
Saber Interactive's decision to publicly label the AI components of Rideshare Simulator may set a precedent for other developers. By placing the disclaimer directly on the Steam store page, the company ensures that potential players are informed before purchase, aligning with emerging best practices for disclosure. This approach could help mitigate backlash, as consumers are more likely to accept AI‑enhanced content when they know exactly what they are getting. The fallout from the Sacco episode also underscores the importance of internal communication and conflict resolution within game studios.
When a writer feels marginalized or replaced without adequate explanation, the resulting grievances can spill over into public forums, damaging a studio's reputation. Karch's admission that he reacted impulsively suggests a need for more measured, thoughtful responses in crisis situations.
It also highlights the human element behind corporate decisions—executives are not immune to emotional triggers, and their statements can have lasting repercussions. Looking ahead, the future of Rideshare Simulator remains uncertain. The game is still slated for release as an affordable, simulation‑focused experience that aims to capture the everyday challenges of ride‑hailing drivers. Whether the AI integration will enhance the gameplay or detract from the authenticity of the narrative is a question that only players will ultimately answer.
The studio has pledged to update the Steam page once the AI features are finalized, indicating that further information will be forthcoming. In summary, Saber Interactive's addition of an AI disclaimer reflects a growing industry trend toward greater transparency about machine‑generated content. CEO Matt Karch's public apology to former writer Stella Sacco illustrates the personal and professional complexities that arise when AI intersects with human creativity. As the debate over AI's role in game development continues, both developers and audiences will be watching closely to see how studios balance innovation, cost efficiency, and respect for the creative talent that has traditionally driven the medium forward.