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 public dispute in which the company was accused of removing a human writer from the project and substituting her work with content generated by AI tools such as ChatGPT. The company’s leadership, led by CEO Matt Karch, has now provided an official statement, acknowledging the controversy and offering an apology to the writer involved, while also outlining the company's broader stance on AI integration. The full disclaimer posted on the Steam page 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." The notice makes clear that the company is now being transparent about the role AI has played in the creation of certain in‑game text, dialogues, and marketing copy, and promises to keep the Steam page up‑to‑date as the feature set is finalized.
The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco publicly claimed that she was dismissed from her role as lead writer on Rideshare Simulator after only a year of service, and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by an AI language model. Sacco's allegations suggested that the studio had not only replaced her with an algorithmic system but also employed AI in other, undisclosed areas of the game's production. These claims sparked a broader conversation within the gaming community about the ethics of using AI to replace human creatives, especially in narrative‑driven titles.
In response, Matt Karch issued a series of remarks that both defended the company's decisions and hinted at a willingness to reconsider the approach. He said, "Stella was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," adding, "In retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch further explained that the decision to incorporate AI was driven by practical considerations, noting that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title and that AI could help keep costs down while still delivering a satisfying player experience.
"We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he told the podcast This Week In Videogames. Karch's comments also revealed a degree of personal detachment from Sacco herself. When asked about the former writer, he replied, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," referencing the AI assistant Claude.
This remark underscored the perception that the CEO had limited direct interaction with the writer he was now defending, further fueling criticism from observers who argued that leadership should be more accountable for personnel decisions. 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." Her message indicated a tentative acceptance of the apology while also highlighting the lingering uncertainty about concrete steps toward restitution. Karch later posted a more detailed explanation on LinkedIn, where he admitted that his reaction to the controversy was impulsive.
"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." This acknowledgment of a hasty response was intended to humanize the CEO, but many critics saw it as insufficient without clear actions to address the underlying issues.
The broader debate surrounding AI in game development has been intensified by this episode. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate content creation, reduce costs, and allow smaller studios to compete with larger publishers. Detractors, however, warn that reliance on AI may erode the quality of storytelling, diminish job opportunities for writers and artists, and raise questions about intellectual property and authorship.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the AI disclaimer serves as a tangible example of a studio attempting to navigate these competing pressures. From a consumer perspective, the disclaimer provides valuable transparency. Players who value handcrafted narrative may now be more cautious about purchasing a game that openly incorporates AI‑generated text. Conversely, budget‑conscious gamers might appreciate the potential cost savings that AI can bring, resulting in a lower retail price without a perceived sacrifice in gameplay depth.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has signaled that it will continue to monitor the integration of AI tools across its projects. The company plans to update the Steam page as additional features are finalized, ensuring that the community remains informed about which aspects of the game are AI‑assisted. This approach reflects a growing trend in the industry toward greater openness about the role of machine learning in creative pipelines. In summary, the controversy surrounding Rideshare Simulator highlights the delicate balance between technological innovation and human talent in modern game development.
While Saber Interactive has taken steps to acknowledge its use of AI and to apologize to a former employee, the episode underscores the need for clear policies, respectful communication, and thoughtful consideration of how AI should complement, rather than replace, the creative voices that have traditionally shaped interactive experiences. The ongoing dialogue will likely influence how other studios approach AI adoption, and whether future titles will feature similar disclosures to keep players fully informed about the origins of the content they enjoy.