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 that the company had dismissed her midway through the project and substituted her work with text generated by ChatGPT, as well as other undisclosed AI tools. The controversy sparked a wave of commentary across gaming news outlets, social media platforms, and industry forums, prompting the studio’s leadership to address the allegations publicly. The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator development team before the game's completion and that her responsibilities were taken over by an AI language model, specifically ChatGPT. She also alleges that additional, previously undisclosed AI technologies were employed throughout the production process." In a follow‑up interview, Karch attempted to clarify his side of the story. He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added a candid, if somewhat unsettling, remark: "In retrospect, I would have been happy to replace her with AI." This admission, though brief, fueled further speculation about the extent to which the studio relies on machine‑generated content for narrative elements, dialogue, and marketing copy.
During a conversation with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared flustered when asked about Sacco’s identity and contributions. "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI assistant Claude that he apparently uses for quick research. He continued, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title in Saber’s portfolio. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he explained, suggesting that AI could help keep costs down and perhaps allow for more frequent updates or additional content without inflating the retail price.
The dispute took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted a message on the social network BlueSky. In her statement, she said that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "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 comment on LinkedIn, where he reflected on his own behavior.
"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 several broader trends within the video game industry.
First, the increasing reliance on AI for content creation is raising ethical and practical questions about authorship, compensation, and transparency. While AI can generate large volumes of text quickly and at low cost, critics argue that it may also diminish the role of human writers, editors, and designers who bring nuanced storytelling and cultural sensitivity to a project.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the allegation that a human writer was removed in favor of a language model underscores the tension between efficiency and artistic integrity. Second, the incident illustrates how quickly public perception can shift when a company appears to hide or downplay the involvement of AI.
Gamers and journalists alike have become more vigilant about disclosures, demanding that studios be upfront about the tools they use. The addition of the AI disclaimer on Steam can be seen as a reactive measure intended to restore trust, but it also sets a precedent that may encourage other developers to adopt similar transparency policies.
Third, the personal dynamics between Karch and Sacco reveal the human side of corporate communication. Karch’s admission that he was "triggered" and responded impulsively suggests a lapse in professional judgment, yet his subsequent apology indicates an attempt to mend the relationship.
Whether this reconciliation will lead to concrete actions—such as reinstating Sacco’s credit, offering compensation, or establishing clearer AI usage guidelines—remains to be seen. From a legal standpoint, the situation could involve questions about employment contracts, intellectual property rights, and potential claims of wrongful termination. If Sacco’s work was indeed replaced by AI without proper acknowledgment or compensation, she might have grounds for a dispute under labor law or copyright statutes. Conversely, if the studio can demonstrate that AI was used in accordance with existing agreements and industry standards, the matter may be resolved through internal policy adjustments rather than litigation.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive’s handling of the controversy may influence how other mid‑size studios navigate AI integration. By publicly acknowledging AI’s role and providing a disclaimer, the company is taking a step toward greater openness. However, the effectiveness of this approach will depend on how consistently the disclaimer reflects actual practices throughout the game's lifecycle. Ongoing updates, clear attribution for AI‑generated content, and a transparent dialogue with both employees and the gaming community will be essential to maintain credibility.
In summary, Saber Interactive has added an AI usage notice to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after former writer Stella Sacco alleged that she was removed from the project and replaced with AI‑generated text. CEO Matt Karch responded with a mixed message, acknowledging the use of AI, expressing regret for his earlier comments, and offering an apology to Sacco.
The episode underscores the growing importance of transparency around AI in game development, the potential legal ramifications of replacing human creators with machines, and the need for clear communication between studios, their staff, and the broader gaming audience.