Saber Interactive has taken the step of attaching an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of AI‑generated text. The full text of the newly added notice reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare development team midway through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the game's creation." In a subsequent interview, Karch countered Sacco's statements, saying she was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added that "in hindsight I would have been comfortable swapping her out for 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 also noted, "We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain aspects of the game and will revise the Steam page once the feature set is finalised." Karch framed the use of AI in Rideshare Simulator as a consumer benefit, stating, "We view our AI integration in this lower‑priced title as a value‑add for players." Over the weekend, Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible 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 public statement on LinkedIn, where 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 broader industry concerns about the growing reliance on generative AI tools in game development.
While AI can accelerate content creation, streamline localization, and generate placeholder assets, critics argue that it may also be used to replace human talent, particularly writers and artists, without transparent communication. In this case, the allegation that a professional writer was removed from a project and her duties handed over to a language model sparked a debate about ethical AI usage, employee rights, and the responsibilities of studios to disclose AI involvement to both staff and consumers. Industry observers note that the Steam platform has begun to require developers to disclose AI usage in certain contexts, especially when it affects gameplay, narrative, or user‑generated content.
Saber Interactive's addition of the disclaimer can be seen as a compliance measure, but it also serves as a public relations effort to quell the backlash and demonstrate accountability. The timeline of events is worth summarising. Sacco joined Saber in July 2023 and contributed to the early phases of Rideshare Simulator, a simulation game that aims to replicate the experience of operating a rideshare vehicle in a bustling urban environment. According to her statements, midway through development—approximately late 2023—her role was terminated, and the company allegedly turned to ChatGPT to generate in‑game dialogue, mission descriptions, and possibly marketing copy.
Sacco's claims were amplified when she posted on BlueSky, prompting media outlets to pick up the story. Karch's initial reaction, as he later admitted, was impulsive. He described himself as being "triggered" by subsequent comments, which led him to respond defensively before fully considering the implications of his words.
This admission of a rushed response is unusual for a CEO, as most public statements are carefully vetted. His candidness about the misstep, however, may help rebuild trust if followed by concrete actions. Following the dispute, Saber Interactive announced that it would update the Steam store page once the AI features are fully defined.
This suggests that the company is still in the process of integrating AI tools into the game, perhaps for procedural generation of traffic patterns, dynamic weather, or even adaptive narrative elements. By positioning AI as a "plus for consumers," Saber hopes to frame the technology as a value‑enhancing addition rather than a cost‑cutting measure. The broader conversation about AI in gaming also includes legal considerations.
Some jurisdictions are beginning to draft legislation that could require explicit disclosure when AI‑generated content is used, especially if it influences consumer decisions or raises copyright concerns. Developers who fail to disclose may face regulatory scrutiny or consumer lawsuits. In the aftermath, Sacco indicated that she is willing to accept Karch's apology but remains uncertain about what restitution might look like.
She mentioned needing time to process the situation, hinting that negotiations or a settlement could be on the horizon. Whether Saber Interactive will offer financial compensation, a public acknowledgment, or a future collaboration remains to be seen.
For gamers and industry watchers, this episode serves as a reminder that the integration of AI into creative processes is still a developing frontier. Transparency, respectful treatment of staff, and clear communication with the community are essential to navigating the ethical complexities that arise when machines begin to share the creative space traditionally occupied by humans. In summary, Saber Interactive has now placed an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after a dispute over the alleged replacement of a human writer with ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologised for his earlier remarks, acknowledging that he reacted impulsively to criticism. The incident highlights ongoing debates about AI's role in game development, the importance of disclosure, and the need for studios to balance technological innovation with fair labor practices.