Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the role of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute that erupted when former staff member Stella Sacco alleged that the company had dismissed her from the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by ChatGPT, as well as hinted at other, still‑undisclosed AI applications throughout the creation of the simulation. The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency regarding the use of artificial intelligence tools in the development of Rideshare Simulator.
Certain narrative elements, in‑game descriptions, and marketing copy have been assisted by AI technologies. We will continue to refine the feature set and will revise this notice as needed to keep players informed." The background to this statement is a series of public comments made by Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, about Sacco’s tenure at the studio.
According to Sacco, she was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, during which time she served as the lead writer for Rideshare Simulator. She claims she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were handed over to an AI system—specifically ChatGPT—without her knowledge or consent. Sacco also suggested that additional AI‑driven tools were employed in other areas of the game, though those details remain unverified.
In response, Karch initially defended the company’s actions, stating that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later." He went on to say that, looking back, he would have been "happy to replace her with AI," a remark that only intensified the controversy. During an interview with the podcast "This Week In Videogames," Karch added a surprising anecdote: "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing Claude, an AI model, to underscore his claim that he had never directly interacted with Sacco. Karch also emphasized that the studio had already disclosed its use of AI for certain parts of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature list was settled. He framed the decision to incorporate AI as a consumer benefit, noting that Rideshare Simulator would be a lower‑priced title and that leveraging AI could help keep costs down while still delivering a quality experience. The situation took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky.
In her message, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "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, for his part, issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional response to the unfolding drama. He wrote, "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.
It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The exchange highlights several broader issues that are currently shaping the video game industry. First, the use of AI for content creation—whether for dialogue, narrative arcs, marketing copy, or even asset generation—has become a point of contention. Developers argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and enable smaller studios to compete with larger players.
Critics, however, warn that relying on AI may undermine the artistic integrity of a game, marginalize human writers and artists, and raise ethical concerns about attribution and transparency. Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication and documentation within development teams. Sacco’s claim that she was removed without proper notice and replaced by an algorithmic system suggests a breakdown in internal processes. Companies that adopt AI tools are increasingly being urged to establish policies that define when and how AI may be used, how human contributors are credited, and how any displaced staff are treated.
Third, the public apology from a CEO—especially one that admits to reacting impulsively—offers a rare glimpse into the human side of corporate leadership. Karch’s admission that he "shot first and thought second" reflects a recognition that emotional reactions can exacerbate conflicts, particularly when they are broadcast on social media platforms where every word is scrutinized.
In the wake of the controversy, Saber Interactive has taken concrete steps to address community concerns. The AI disclaimer on Steam now serves as a formal acknowledgment that certain textual elements were generated with the assistance of machine learning models. The company also indicated that it will continue to monitor the impact of AI on the final product and will update the notice as the development cycle progresses. For players and industry observers, the episode serves as a reminder that the integration of AI into creative workflows is still a developing frontier.
While the technology promises efficiency and new possibilities, it also raises questions about authorship, fairness, and the future role of human talent in game development. As studios like Saber navigate these challenges, transparency and open dialogue will likely become essential tools for maintaining trust with both employees and the gaming community.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI usage disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam page marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over artificial intelligence in game creation. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former lead writer Stella Sacco, coupled with his candid admission of an impulsive reaction, adds a personal dimension to the broader industry conversation.
The situation illustrates the need for clear policies, respectful communication, and thoughtful implementation of AI technologies to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of the people who help bring games to life.