Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The controversy centers on the departure of Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024 and served as a lead writer on the project. Sacco alleges that midway through development she was removed from the team and her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT, a popular AI language model, while also suggesting that other, still‑undisclosed AI tools were employed during the game’s creation.
In an effort to address the growing concerns, Saber posted a formal AI usage statement on the game's Steam page. The full text of the notice reads as follows: "This update follows recent 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 CEO’s public response was swift and, at times, contradictory. Karch initially claimed that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," adding in a later interview that, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." He further tried to distance himself from the former writer, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an appearance on the podcast This Week In Videogames.
Karch emphasized that the studio was already using AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized, framing the technology as a benefit for consumers, especially given that Rideshare is slated to be a lower‑priced title. The situation escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating 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 emotional reaction.
He admitted, "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 controversy touches on several broader industry debates. First, the use of AI in creative roles raises questions about authorship, compensation, and the value of human storytelling.
While AI can generate prose quickly, many argue that it lacks the nuanced understanding of character motivation, cultural context, and emotional resonance that a seasoned writer brings to a narrative. Sacco’s claim that she was replaced by a language model highlights the tension between cost‑saving measures and the preservation of artistic integrity. Second, the incident underscores the importance of transparent communication with both employees and the gaming community.
By initially providing vague or contradictory statements, Saber risked eroding trust among its audience. The later addition of an AI disclaimer can be seen as a remedial measure, but critics suggest that a more proactive disclosure—ideally before the controversy erupted—would have demonstrated greater respect for players who might be concerned about the authenticity of the game’s narrative.
Third, the episode illustrates how public figures in the tech and gaming sectors must navigate rapid, emotionally charged reactions on social media. Karch’s admission that he "shot first and thought second" reflects a common pitfall: responding impulsively to criticism without fully considering the ramifications.
While his subsequent apology and promise to rectify the situation are steps in the right direction, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the need for measured, well‑crafted communication strategies. From a consumer perspective, the AI disclaimer may influence purchasing decisions.
Some players appreciate the efficiency and novelty that AI can bring, especially in lower‑budget titles where resources are limited. Others worry that reliance on AI could result in generic dialogue, repetitive quests, or a lack of emotional depth.
By openly acknowledging AI’s role, Saber gives potential buyers the information they need to decide whether the game aligns with their expectations for narrative quality. Looking ahead, the gaming industry is likely to see increased integration of AI tools for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to voice synthesis. However, the Saber incident may encourage studios to develop clearer policies regarding when and how AI is employed, how credit is assigned, and what safeguards are in place to protect the rights of human creators.
Industry bodies and unions are already discussing guidelines that could standardize AI usage, ensuring that writers and artists are not unfairly displaced. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page follows a contentious episode involving the alleged dismissal of writer Stella Sacco and her replacement with ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch’s subsequent apology—both on BlueSky and LinkedIn—acknowledged his impulsive reaction and expressed a desire to make amends. The controversy raises important questions about the balance between technological efficiency and creative authenticity, the necessity of transparent communication with audiences, and the broader implications of AI adoption in game development.
As the industry continues to experiment with AI, the lessons from this episode may help shape more responsible and respectful practices for the future.