Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit AI disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated debate erupted over claims that the company had replaced a human writer with artificial‑intelligence‑generated text. The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT.
Sacco further suggested that the studio had employed additional, undisclosed AI tools throughout the game's creation, raising questions about transparency and the ethical use of machine‑generated content in the gaming industry. In response to the allegations, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a statement that attempted to clarify the situation. He claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, he would have been "happy to replace her with AI" if the opportunity had presented itself.
Karch’s remarks were captured in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to acknowledge that the studio was already employing AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down.
"We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers," he said, positioning the technology as a value‑adding element rather than a cost‑cutting measure. The dispute quickly moved onto social media platforms. Over the weekend, Sacco posted on BlueSky, a decentralized social network, 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 statement highlighted a lingering uncertainty about what concrete steps the company would take to address her concerns, but it also signalled a tentative acceptance of the CEO’s remorse. Karch later posted a separate comment on LinkedIn, offering a more personal reflection on his 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 phrasing suggests that Karch acknowledges a lapse in judgment, attributing it to an emotional response rather than a calculated decision.
The addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page is a tangible outcome of this exchange. The notice reads in full: "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." By publishing the disclaimer, Saber appears to be attempting to bring transparency to its development practices, acknowledging both the human and AI contributions to the final product. The broader industry context is worth noting. Over the past few years, game developers have increasingly experimented with AI tools for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to narrative drafting.
While some studios tout these technologies as ways to accelerate production and reduce costs, others have faced backlash when AI usage is perceived as a replacement for human talent. Critics argue that relying on AI for creative work can diminish the unique voice that writers bring to a project, potentially leading to homogenized storytelling and a loss of employment opportunities for skilled professionals. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as a lower‑priced title, which may explain why the studio opted to incorporate AI to keep development expenses manageable. However, the ethical question remains: should companies be required to disclose when AI has been used in the creation of narrative content, especially when that content directly affects the player experience?
Transparency advocates argue that players have a right to know whether the dialogue they are reading was crafted by a human author or generated by an algorithm, as the two processes can produce markedly different tonal qualities. From a legal standpoint, there are also potential ramifications. If a writer is terminated and replaced by an AI system without proper notice or severance, it could raise labor law concerns.
Moreover, intellectual property rights become murkier when AI-generated text is involved, as the ownership of the output can be contested between the developer, the AI provider, and any original human contributors. Saber Interactive’s handling of the situation reflects a growing pains scenario common to many tech‑driven creative industries.
By publicly acknowledging the use of AI, issuing an apology, and updating the product page, the company is attempting to mitigate reputational damage. Yet the episode also serves as a cautionary tale for other developers: clear communication, fair treatment of staff, and proactive disclosure of AI involvement are essential to maintaining trust with both employees and consumers. In summary, the saga surrounding Rideshare Simulator illustrates the tension between innovation and responsibility. While AI can undoubtedly streamline certain aspects of game development, it must be employed thoughtfully, with respect for the human talent that traditionally drives storytelling.
The recent AI disclaimer on Steam, coupled with CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco, marks a step toward greater openness, but the industry as a whole still has work to do in establishing standards that balance efficiency with ethical considerations.