Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's creation. This move comes after a heated dispute erupted over accusations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools.
The full wording of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare development team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT.
She also claims that additional, as‑yet‑unpublicized AI technologies were employed throughout the game's development process." In a public statement, Karch countered Sacco's claims by saying she "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "In hindsight, I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He continued, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames. He further explained, "We have already announced that we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating, "We view our incorporation of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a plus for players." The controversy intensified when Sacco posted on the social platform 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 comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own misstep. "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 admitted. "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—ranging from language models like ChatGPT to image generators such as Midjourney—has accelerated dramatically in recent years.
Developers tout faster iteration cycles, reduced costs, and the ability to generate large volumes of placeholder text or dialogue quickly. However, the rapid adoption also raises questions about authorship, credit, and the ethical treatment of human creators whose roles may be marginalized or replaced.
Second, the dispute underscores the importance of transparency with consumers. Steam, as a major distribution platform, provides a space where developers can communicate changes, updates, and policy decisions directly to players.
By adding an explicit AI disclaimer, Saber Interactive is attempting to pre‑empt further backlash and to comply with emerging expectations that gamers be informed about the extent to which AI contributes to the final product. Third, the situation reflects the human side of corporate communication. Karch's admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—mirrors a common pattern in high‑pressure environments where leaders feel compelled to respond quickly to criticism. While his apology indicates a willingness to make amends, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the need for measured, thoughtful responses, especially when allegations involve personal reputations and career trajectories.
From Sacco's perspective, the experience appears to be both professionally and emotionally taxing. Being dismissed from a project and then publicly accused of being replaced by a machine can feel dehumanizing.
Her decision to share her side on a public platform suggests a desire for accountability and for the industry to recognize the value of human writers, even as AI becomes more prevalent. Looking ahead, the controversy may influence how other studios approach AI disclosure. Some companies have already begun to label AI‑generated assets in their credits, while others remain vague. Regulatory bodies in certain jurisdictions are also discussing whether AI usage should be mandated to be disclosed in consumer products, akin to labeling requirements for food allergens.
In summary, Saber Interactive's addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page is a direct response to a dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco, who alleges she was replaced by AI tools during development. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks and acknowledged his hasty reaction. The incident shines a light on the evolving role of AI in game creation, the necessity for clear communication with players, and the personal impact such decisions can have on individual creators.
As the industry continues to grapple with these challenges, transparency and respectful dialogue will likely become essential components of responsible game development.