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. This move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools. The company’s decision to add the notice reflects an effort to be transparent with the community and to address the controversy head‑on.
The full disclaimer, as posted on the Steam page, reads: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications throughout the game's creation. In response, Mr.
Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by another individual he describes as more talented and that her contract was terminated for several reasons a few months later.
He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." The background to this situation involves a series of public comments and interviews that have drawn significant attention from both the gaming press and the broader online community. In an interview with the podcast "This Week In Videogames," Karch was asked about Sacco’s claims. He replied, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had no personal recollection of working directly with the writer.
He went on to say, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized 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. "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.
This perspective aligns with a growing trend in the video‑game industry where developers are experimenting with AI‑generated assets, dialogue, and even level design to reduce production costs and accelerate timelines. The controversy intensified when Sacco took to the social platform BlueSky over the weekend to share her side of the story.
In her post, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "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." Following Sacco’s statement, Karch posted a separate comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. "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 key issues that are currently shaping the conversation around AI in creative industries. First, there is the question of transparency: players and stakeholders are demanding clear information about where and how AI tools are employed. By adding the disclaimer, Saber Interactive is attempting to meet that demand, though critics argue that the notice may be too vague to satisfy those who seek detailed breakdowns of AI usage.
Second, the incident underscores the importance of workplace communication and respect. Sacco’s claim that she was removed without proper dialogue and replaced by an algorithmic system touches on broader concerns about job security in an era where AI can automate certain writing tasks. While Karch’s comments suggest he believes the decision was justified and even beneficial, the public backlash indicates that many view the situation as a cautionary tale about the human cost of rapid technological adoption. Third, the episode reflects a cultural shift in how executives respond to criticism.
Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—offers a rare glimpse into the personal pressures faced by leaders when navigating public disputes. His willingness to apologize publicly, albeit after a delay, may set a precedent for more accountable communication from CEOs in the gaming sector.
From a consumer perspective, the use of AI in a game like Rideshare Simulator could have tangible effects on the player experience. AI‑generated dialogue can streamline narrative branching, but it may also result in less nuanced character interactions if not carefully supervised. Similarly, AI‑assisted asset creation can speed up development cycles, potentially leading to more frequent updates and bug fixes, yet it may also raise concerns about originality and artistic integrity. Industry analysts are watching the Saber Interactive case closely.
Some predict that studios will adopt standardized disclosure policies, akin to the labeling requirements seen in other media industries for deep‑fake content. Others argue that the market will self‑regulate, with players rewarding transparency and penalizing studios that appear to hide AI involvement. In the meantime, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI implementation strategy and keep the community informed.
The company’s next steps may include publishing a detailed report on which specific components of Rideshare Simulator were generated or assisted by AI, as well as outlining any future plans to expand AI usage across other titles in its portfolio. Overall, the saga serves as a microcosm of the broader dialogue about AI, ethics, and employment in creative fields.
It illustrates how quickly a single claim can spark a chain reaction of public statements, apologies, and policy changes, all while highlighting the need for clear, honest communication between developers, employees, and the gaming audience. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the industry will likely see more instances where the line between human and machine contribution is examined, debated, and ultimately defined by both creators and consumers alike.