Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store listing 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 debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text.
The company’s decision to add the notice is intended to provide transparency to players and to address concerns raised by the gaming community and the media. The full text of the new 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 original controversy, former staff member Stella Sacco claimed that she had been taken off the Rideshare project partway through its production and that her responsibilities were subsequently handed over to an AI system, specifically ChatGPT. Sacco also suggested that other aspects of the game’s creation had involved undisclosed AI tools, raising questions about the studio’s editorial practices and the authenticity of the game's narrative voice. Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded publicly to these allegations.
He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s remarks were interpreted by many as an admission that the studio had indeed considered, if not already implemented, AI assistance for writing tasks. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated on his lack of personal interaction with Sacco. He said, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." This comment was meant to underscore his claim that he had no direct knowledge of Sacco’s work or her departure from the project. He also reiterated that Saber was already using AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. According to Karch, the integration of AI in a lower‑priced title like Rideshare Simulator should be viewed as a benefit for consumers, offering cost savings that could be passed on to players.
The situation escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating 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." This public acknowledgment of an apology added another layer to the ongoing dialogue, highlighting the personal impact of the dispute on both parties. Karch also issued a separate statement on LinkedIn, where he admitted to an emotional reaction that influenced his initial response.
He wrote, "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." This candid admission of impulsivity was intended to humanize his reaction and to signal a willingness to correct any missteps. The broader context of this controversy touches on a growing trend in the video game industry: the increasing reliance on AI tools for content creation. Developers are exploring AI for tasks ranging from procedural level design to narrative generation, voice synthesis, and even code optimization. While AI can accelerate production pipelines and reduce costs, it also raises ethical concerns about authorship, quality control, and the treatment of human creators.
Industry observers note that the use of AI in a narrative‑driven game like Rideshare Simulator is particularly sensitive. Players often value authentic storytelling, character development, and the unique voice that a human writer can bring.
When AI is introduced without clear disclosure, it can erode trust and lead to accusations of deception, as seen in this case. In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive has pledged greater transparency.
The updated Steam disclaimer now explicitly mentions the involvement of AI in specific aspects of the game, though it does not detail the exact tools or the extent of their usage. The company also indicated that future updates will include more precise information as the development process finalizes. From a consumer perspective, the controversy serves as a reminder to scrutinize the development credits and disclosures of games, especially those marketed at lower price points where budget constraints may drive studios to adopt cost‑saving technologies.
For creators, the episode underscores the importance of clear communication and fair treatment when organizational changes occur, particularly when technology replaces human labor. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam page represents a reactive measure to address public concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in game writing. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco reflects an attempt to mend professional relationships and restore confidence among the gaming community. The incident highlights the delicate balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and maintaining transparency and respect for human contributors in the evolving landscape of video game development.