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 development. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted when former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was removed from the project midway and that her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT, alongside allegations that the studio had employed AI tools in other, undisclosed aspects of the game’s creation. The full text of the new AI 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." In the wake of Sacco’s statements, Karch offered a public response that both defended the studio’s staffing decisions and hinted at a willingness to use AI in the future. He said that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," adding that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s remarks suggest that the company sees AI as a viable tool for certain tasks, especially in a title that is priced lower than flagship releases.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further clarified his position, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He emphasized that the studio had already disclosed its intention to employ AI for specific components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. "We view our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a benefit for consumers," he explained, framing the technology as a cost‑saving measure that could ultimately improve the player experience.
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 also issued a separate statement on LinkedIn, where he admitted to an emotional reaction that colored his initial response. "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 wrote.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The exchange highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative processes. As game development pipelines become more complex, studios are experimenting with machine‑learning models to generate dialogue, assist with level design, and even produce art assets.
Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and free human creators to focus on higher‑level storytelling. Critics, however, warn that reliance on automated tools may undermine job security for writers, artists, and designers, and raise ethical concerns about attribution and originality. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the AI disclaimer serves multiple purposes.
First, it provides transparency for players who may be curious—or concerned—about the extent to which non‑human authors contributed to the final product. Second, it functions as a defensive measure for Saber Interactive, signaling that the company is aware of the public’s scrutiny and is taking steps to address it.
Finally, the disclaimer may be a strategic move to pre‑empt further legal or reputational fallout stemming from Sacco’s allegations. The situation also underscores the delicate nature of internal communications within tech companies.
When an employee feels wronged and decides to go public, the resulting narrative can quickly spiral, especially when social media amplifies every statement. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—offers a rare glimpse into the human side of corporate leadership, reminding observers that even CEOs can stumble under pressure.
Looking ahead, the industry will likely see more studios adopting AI policies and public disclosures similar to Saber’s. Some companies are already drafting internal guidelines that delineate which tasks may be delegated to AI and which must remain strictly human‑crafted.
These policies aim to balance efficiency gains with ethical responsibilities, ensuring that credit is appropriately assigned and that creative staff are not unfairly displaced. For players of Rideshare Simulator, the practical impact of the AI disclaimer may be minimal. The game promises a realistic simulation of ride‑hailing work, complete with city traffic, passenger interactions, and the everyday challenges faced by drivers. Whether some of the in‑game dialogue or mission descriptions were generated by a language model is unlikely to change the core gameplay experience.
However, for those who value authenticity and human storytelling, knowing that AI had a hand in the script could influence their perception of the title. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Steam page reflects a growing trend toward transparency in an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly woven into creative workflows. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco, coupled with his candid acknowledgment of an impulsive reaction, illustrates the complex interplay between corporate decision‑making, employee relations, and public perception. As the gaming industry continues to experiment with AI, the balance between technological innovation and respect for human talent will remain a pivotal discussion point for developers, players, and policymakers alike.