Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page 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 the company was accused of terminating a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The new notice is intended to provide transparency for players and to address the concerns raised by the controversy.
The full 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." The background to the statement involves a series of statements made by both parties. Stella Sacco, who served as a lead writer on Rideshare Simulator, publicly claimed that she was dismissed partway through the project and that her responsibilities were handed over to the language model ChatGPT. She also suggested that the studio had employed additional, undisclosed AI tools throughout the production process. These allegations sparked a debate within the gaming community about the ethical implications of substituting human creativity with machine‑generated content, especially in narrative‑driven titles.
In response, Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, offered his own version of events. He said 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." Karch's comments were delivered during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he also admitted a surprising level of unfamiliarity with Sacco's work. "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he remarked, referencing the AI assistant Claude as a source of information about the former writer. Karch continued, "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." He framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." This perspective reflects a growing trend in the industry where developers leverage AI to reduce costs, speed up production, and potentially enhance gameplay experiences, while also navigating the delicate balance between efficiency and artistic integrity.
The dispute escalated further when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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." Karch later issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, where he reflected on his own behavior.
"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 confessed. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The episode highlights several broader issues that are currently shaping the video game industry.
First, the integration of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models into game development pipelines is becoming increasingly common. Studios are experimenting with AI for tasks ranging from procedural content generation and dialogue writing to bug detection and quality assurance. While these technologies can accelerate development cycles and lower budgets, they also raise questions about authorship, credit, and the future role of human writers. Second, the controversy underscores the importance of clear communication and contractual clarity when AI is employed.
Employees, especially those in creative roles, need to understand how AI might affect their responsibilities and compensation. In the case of Sacco, the lack of transparent policies regarding AI substitution appears to have contributed to mistrust and public outcry.
Third, the incident reflects a shifting public sentiment toward AI ethics. Gamers and industry observers are increasingly vigilant about the provenance of in‑game narratives and the treatment of creative staff.
When a developer openly acknowledges AI usage, as Saber Interactive now does, it can help mitigate backlash, but only if the disclosure is comprehensive and honest. Finally, Karch's admission of reacting impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—offers a rare glimpse into the human side of corporate leadership. It serves as a reminder that executives, despite their authority, are still subject to emotional responses and can make missteps in high‑pressure situations. His willingness to apologize publicly and to update the Steam page signals an attempt to restore trust, though the long‑term impact on the studio’s reputation remains to be seen.
In summary, Saber Interactive's addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page marks a concrete step toward transparency after a contentious episode involving the alleged replacement of a human writer with artificial intelligence. CEO Matt Karch's public apology and acknowledgment of his hasty reaction illustrate the challenges companies face when navigating the intersection of technology, creativity, and employee relations. As AI continues to permeate game development, the industry will likely see more debates about ethical use, proper attribution, and the balance between cost savings and preserving the unique human touch that defines compelling storytelling in interactive entertainment.