Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had removed a human writer from the project in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s storefront, is intended to clarify the studio’s current use of AI tools and to address the controversy that surrounded the departure of former writer Stella Sacco. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco has alleged that she was dismissed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the game's creation. In response, Mr.
Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by an individual he described as more skilled, and that her employment was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later.
He added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her role with AI technology." The controversy began when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, claiming that she had been abruptly removed from the Rideshare team and that the studio had turned to large‑language‑model tools such as ChatGPT to generate in‑game copy, narrative elements, and possibly even design documentation. She further alleged that other, still‑unannounced AI‑driven processes were being employed throughout the development pipeline, raising questions about transparency, labor practices, and the ethical use of machine‑generated content in a commercial product.
Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded publicly in a series of interviews and social‑media posts. He asserted that Sacco’s departure was not the result of an AI substitution but rather a personnel decision based on performance and fit. "She was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," Karch said, adding that, looking back, he would have been comfortable using AI to handle some of the writing tasks. "In retrospect, I would have been happy to replace her with AI," he continued, suggesting that the studio’s eventual adoption of AI tools was a strategic choice rather than an emergency measure.
When pressed by the video‑game news outlet This Week In Videogames, Karch admitted a lack of personal familiarity with Sacco. "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI chatbot Claude as a tongue‑in‑cheek way of illustrating his distance from the former employee.
He went on to confirm that Saber Interactive was indeed employing AI for certain aspects of Rideshare Simulator, though he promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. "We view our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a benefit for consumers," Karch argued, positioning the technology as a cost‑saving measure that could translate into a lower retail price or additional content for players.
The situation took another turn when Sacco posted a follow‑up message on BlueSky, 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." Her words suggest a tentative reconciliation, though she also indicated that the specifics of any remediation remain unclear. Karch later posted a reflective 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." This admission of impulsivity highlights the pressures that can arise when public discourse, employee relations, and emerging technologies intersect in the fast‑moving video‑game industry. The broader context of this dispute touches on several industry‑wide trends.
First, the use of AI for content generation is becoming increasingly common, with studios experimenting with tools that can draft dialogue, generate procedural narratives, or even assist in level design. While these technologies can accelerate development cycles and reduce costs, they also raise concerns about job displacement, creative ownership, and the authenticity of player experiences. Critics argue that over‑reliance on AI may erode the human touch that many gamers cherish, while proponents point to the potential for more diverse and rapidly iterated content.
Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication and transparent policies regarding AI usage. Many developers are still navigating how to disclose AI involvement to consumers and regulators. By adding the disclaimer to the Steam page, Saber Interactive is aligning itself with a growing push for openness, similar to the labeling requirements being discussed in the European Union and other jurisdictions. Finally, the episode illustrates the human side of corporate decision‑making.
Karch’s admission that he acted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—serves as a reminder that executives are subject to the same emotional triggers as anyone else, especially when faced with public criticism. His willingness to apologize publicly, albeit after the fact, may help restore some trust among the community, but the long‑term impact will depend on how the studio follows through on its promises regarding AI transparency and fair labor practices.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page is a direct response to a controversy sparked by former writer Stella Sacco’s allegations of being replaced by ChatGPT and other AI tools. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks, acknowledged his reactive behavior, and affirmed that the studio will continue to use AI where it deems beneficial, while aiming to keep consumers informed. The incident highlights the delicate balance between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and maintaining ethical, transparent relationships with both employees and players.