Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam page 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 surrounding allegations that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with content generated by AI tools such as ChatGPT.
The full text of the new AI 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 wake of these statements, Karch offered an explanation that mixed factual clarification with a hint of regret. He asserted that Sacco had "been replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, "he would have been happy to replace her with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." The CEO's remarks suggested that the decision to bring in AI was not merely a cost‑saving measure but also a strategic choice he now sees as potentially justified.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared visibly surprised by the name of the former writer. "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI model Claude. 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." The CEO 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.
The controversy escalated when Stella Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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." Karch later issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, attempting to contextualise his earlier reaction.
"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 admitted. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The incident touches on several broader industry trends.
First, the increasing reliance on AI for content creation is prompting companies to be more transparent with their audiences. While AI can accelerate writing, concept art, and even level design, many gamers and creators worry that over‑reliance could diminish the human touch that gives games their emotional resonance.
By adding the disclaimer, Saber Interactive appears to be aligning with emerging best practices that call for clear labeling of AI‑generated material. Second, the dispute underscores the delicate nature of workplace relationships in the tech and gaming sectors. The rapid pace of project timelines often leads to staffing changes, but when a high‑profile departure is coupled with claims of AI substitution, it can quickly become a public relations flashpoint.
Sacco's decision to speak out publicly reflects a growing willingness among industry professionals to hold employers accountable for transparency and fair treatment. Third, the episode illustrates how social media platforms—BlueSky, LinkedIn, podcasts, and even Steam—have become arenas where corporate narratives are contested and reshaped. Karch's candid admission that he reacted impulsively after being "triggered" shows a rare moment of vulnerability from a CEO, yet it also raises questions about leadership communication strategies during crises. From a consumer perspective, the added AI disclaimer may influence purchasing decisions.
Players who value handcrafted storytelling might view the use of AI as a red flag, while others who appreciate lower price points and quicker content updates could see it as a pragmatic advantage. The disclaimer therefore serves both as a warning and a marketing tool, positioning the game as innovative yet honest about its production methods.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that the AI disclaimer will be updated once the feature set for Rideshare Simulator is finalized. This suggests that the company plans to continue integrating AI tools throughout the game's lifecycle, possibly expanding beyond text to areas such as procedural generation of traffic patterns or dynamic dialogue options. As AI technology matures, the line between human‑authored and machine‑generated content will blur further, making clear disclosures increasingly important.
In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator follows a contentious exchange between the company’s CEO, Matt Karch, and former writer Stella Sacco. Karch’s apology and his admission of an impulsive reaction highlight the human element behind corporate decisions, while the broader industry context points to a future where AI and human creativity coexist, provided that transparency remains a priority for developers and publishers alike.