Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page 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 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 additional, undisclosed AI usage throughout the creation process. The full text of the newly added notice reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Saca, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco claims she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator team midway through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by an AI language model, specifically ChatGPT.
She also alleges that other, still‑unannounced, AI tools were employed during development." In an effort to address these accusations, Karch released a public statement in which he said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He went on to say, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames.
He further explained, "We have already disclosed that we are using AI for certain components of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch framed the decision to incorporate AI as a consumer‑benefit, stating, "We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a value‑add for players." The controversy took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, noting 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, for his part, issued a separate statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. He said, "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 episode highlights several broader issues that are currently reshaping the video‑game industry. First, the integration of AI tools such as language models, image generators, and procedural content systems is accelerating, prompting studios to weigh cost savings against potential ethical concerns. While AI can streamline tasks like dialogue writing, localization, and asset creation, the question of attribution and fairness for human creators remains unsettled.
In Sacco's case, the allegation that a live writer was replaced by a machine raises questions about employment practices, transparency, and the value placed on creative labor. Second, the public reaction underscores the importance of clear communication with both the gaming community and the workforce.
When a company announces AI involvement after the fact, especially in a title that markets itself as a more affordable, indie‑style experience, players may feel misled. Conversely, developers argue that AI can enable smaller teams to deliver richer experiences without inflating budgets. The balance between honesty about AI usage and protecting competitive advantage is delicate, and missteps can quickly become PR crises, as seen here. Third, the incident illustrates how personal dynamics can spill into the public sphere.
Karch's admission that he "shot first and thought second" suggests a moment of impulsive reaction to criticism, a scenario not uncommon in high‑pressure creative environments. His subsequent apology, both on BlueSky and LinkedIn, attempts to mend the professional relationship, yet the long‑term impact on the studio's reputation and on Sacco's career remains uncertain. Industry observers note that this is not an isolated case. Other developers have faced scrutiny for using AI to generate in‑game text, voice lines, or even entire quest structures.
Regulatory bodies in several jurisdictions are beginning to explore guidelines for AI disclosure, aiming to protect consumers from undisclosed synthetic content and to safeguard creators' rights. As the technology matures, we can expect more formalized policies, perhaps even mandatory labeling on storefronts like Steam. For players of Rideshare Simulator, the practical outcome of this controversy may be minimal.
The game itself is a simulation that lets players experience the day‑to‑day challenges of a rideshare driver, featuring realistic cityscapes, passenger interactions, and a variety of vehicle options. The AI disclaimer does not alter gameplay mechanics, but it does inform users that some narrative elements—such as dialogue snippets, mission briefings, or tutorial text—might have been generated or assisted by machine learning models. From a broader perspective, the Saber Interactive episode serves as a case study in how studios must navigate the intersection of emerging technology, employee relations, and public accountability. Transparent policies, early disclosure of AI usage, and respectful treatment of staff can mitigate backlash and foster a healthier creative ecosystem.
As AI continues to permeate the gaming pipeline, the industry will likely develop standardized best practices to ensure that both human talent and machine assistance coexist in a way that benefits developers, players, and the medium as a whole. In summary, Saber Interactive has added an AI usage disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was replaced by ChatGPT and suggested other undisclosed AI applications.
CEO Matt Karch responded with a mixed statement, acknowledging the allegations, expressing a willingness to replace human labor with AI in hindsight, and later apologising for his earlier harsh remarks. The incident highlights ongoing debates about AI ethics, transparency, and labor rights within the video‑game industry, and it underscores the need for clear communication and responsible AI integration moving forward.