Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated debate sparked by allegations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools.
The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who worked at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024, and stated she was removed from Rideshare midway through development and replaced with ChatGPT, while alleging other then-unannounced use of AI in the game's development." In the original controversy, former writer Stella Sacco claimed that she had been taken off the Rideshare Simulator project halfway through its production cycle and that her responsibilities were handed over to an artificial‑intelligence system, specifically ChatGPT. Sacco also suggested that the studio had employed additional AI‑driven processes that had not been publicly disclosed at the time.
Her statements quickly circulated through industry forums, social media, and gaming news outlets, prompting a wave of criticism aimed at Saber Interactive for what many perceived as a lack of transparency and a potential disregard for human creative labor. CEO Matt Karch responded publicly, offering his version of events. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, in hindsight, he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s remarks were intended to clarify the timeline of Sacco’s employment and to explain the studio’s rationale for integrating AI tools into certain aspects of the game’s production pipeline.
He emphasized that the decision to use AI was not a reactionary measure but part of a broader strategy to streamline content creation for a lower‑priced title, which he framed as a benefit for consumers who would ultimately enjoy a more affordable product. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated on his limited personal interaction with Sacco. He said, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had not directly communicated with the writer during her tenure. He also reiterated the studio’s commitment to being forthcoming about AI usage, promising to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized.
"We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he explained, positioning AI as a cost‑saving measure that could translate into a better price point for players. The situation took another turn when Sacco posted on the social network 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." Her message conveyed a mixture of relief that an apology had been offered and uncertainty about what concrete steps might follow to address the perceived wrongs. Karch also issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, where he admitted to reacting 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." This admission highlighted the emotional intensity of the exchange and underscored the challenges that leaders face when navigating public disputes that involve personal reputations and emerging technologies. The broader context of this dispute reflects a growing tension within the video game industry regarding the role of AI in creative workflows. On one hand, developers argue that AI can accelerate content generation, reduce costs, and enable smaller studios to produce ambitious experiences without the massive budgets traditionally required.
On the other hand, writers, artists, and other creative professionals worry that reliance on AI could erode job security, diminish the value of human craftsmanship, and lead to homogenized content that lacks the nuance only a human perspective can provide. Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Steam page can be seen as an attempt to strike a balance between transparency and innovation. By openly acknowledging the use of AI, the studio hopes to preempt further speculation and reassure consumers that they are being honest about the technologies shaping the final product.
The disclaimer also serves as a signal to industry peers that the conversation about AI ethics, credit attribution, and employment practices is far from settled. In the weeks ahead, it remains to be seen how the apology will translate into actionable measures. Potential steps could include a formal settlement with Sacco, a revision of internal policies governing AI usage, or the establishment of clearer guidelines for crediting human contributors when AI tools are employed.
For the gaming community, the episode offers a case study in how rapidly evolving technologies can intersect with longstanding labor concerns, prompting both companies and creators to reevaluate their expectations and responsibilities. Overall, the episode underscores the importance of clear communication, ethical stewardship of new tools, and respect for the individuals whose talents shape the games we play.
As AI continues to mature, the industry will likely see more instances where the line between human and machine‑generated content blurs, making transparency and accountability essential components of any development pipeline. Saber Interactive’s updated Steam disclaimer, Karch’s public apology, and Sacco’s measured acceptance together illustrate a moment of reckoning for the studio and the wider industry. Whether this leads to lasting policy changes or simply serves as a temporary patch remains to be observed, but the dialogue it has sparked will undoubtedly influence how future projects integrate AI while honoring the contributions of human creators.