Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its 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 stance on AI usage and to address the accusations that were levied against it.
The full text of the 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 alleges that she was taken off the Rideshare Simulator development team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI tools that were purportedly employed during the creation of the game. In response, Mr.
Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by an individual he described as "more talented" and that her contract 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." During an interview with the online show This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated on the situation, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her in person." He went on to confirm that the studio is indeed employing artificial‑intelligence tools for specific components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set is finalized. "We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers," he added, positioning the technology as a value‑adding element rather than a cost‑cutting measure. The controversy intensified when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, describing Karch’s public statements as "awful" and noting that he had "apologised unreservedly for the way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "I have been consistent from the start that my account is truthful; I think we can all now agree that the facts have been borne out.
Matt expressed a desire to make things right with me; at this point I don’t know exactly what that will look like, and I need some time to process it, but I do accept his apology." Karch later issued a separate comment on LinkedIn, attempting to explain his emotional 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 admitted. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify the situation." The episode raises several broader questions about the role of AI in game development, especially in narrative and writing tasks traditionally handled by human creatives. While AI can accelerate content generation, many industry observers caution that reliance on algorithms may diminish the nuance, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resonance that human writers bring to interactive storytelling. In the case of Rideshare Simulator—a simulation game that aims to recreate the everyday experience of rideshare drivers—authentic dialogue and realistic scenario design are crucial to immersing players and delivering a compelling experience. Critics of Saber Interactive argue that the company’s handling of the dispute reflects a lack of transparency and respect for its staff.
By replacing a writer with a language model without clear communication, the studio may have set a precedent that could undermine trust among current and prospective employees. Moreover, the public nature of the exchange—spanning podcasts, social media, and professional networking sites—has amplified the scrutiny on how game developers balance cost efficiencies with ethical labor practices.
Supporters of AI integration, however, point out that many studios are already experimenting with machine‑learning tools to assist with procedural content generation, localization, and even script drafting. They contend that, when used responsibly, AI can serve as a collaborative partner rather than a wholesale substitute for human talent.
In this view, the disclaimer added by Saber Interactive could be seen as a proactive step toward informing consumers about the technology behind the product, thereby fostering informed decision‑making. The incident also highlights the importance of clear internal policies regarding AI usage. Companies that establish guidelines—detailing which aspects of development may be automated, how credit is attributed, and what safeguards are in place to prevent bias—are better positioned to navigate potential controversies.
For Saber Interactive, the fallout may prompt a reevaluation of its internal communication channels and its approach to acknowledging contributions from both human and artificial contributors. In the weeks ahead, the community will be watching how Saber Interactive implements the promised updates to the Steam page and whether further details about the AI features in Rideshare Simulator emerge.
The studio’s ability to rebuild trust with its audience, its staff, and the broader industry will likely depend on the consistency of its messaging and the tangible actions it takes to address the concerns raised. Ultimately, the saga serves as a microcosm of the evolving relationship between creative professionals and emerging technologies. As AI continues to mature, the dialogue surrounding its ethical deployment, compensation models, and impact on creative integrity will remain central to the future of game development. For now, Saber Interactive’s AI disclaimer stands as both a marker of the current moment and a reminder that the integration of new tools must be managed with transparency, respect, and a commitment to the people who bring games to life.