Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a clear AI usage disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a key writer in favor of AI‑generated content. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s listing, seeks to address concerns from the gaming community and the media about the extent to which artificial intelligence tools were employed during development. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco. Ms.
Sacco was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024 and alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its development cycle and subsequently replaced by text generated via ChatGPT. She also claims that other, still‑undisclosed, AI technologies were utilized throughout the game's creation." In the wake of these accusations, Mr.
Karch responded publicly, stating that Ms. Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and further added that "in hindsight I would have been comfortable swapping her out for AI if the situation called for it." He continued, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," a remark he made during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames. "We have already disclosed that we are using AI for certain aspects of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch emphasized that the use of AI in this particular project, which he described as a "lower‑priced title," is intended to be a benefit for consumers, suggesting that AI‑driven efficiencies could translate into a better price‑to‑value ratio for players. He framed the technology as a tool that, when applied responsibly, can enhance the development pipeline without compromising artistic integrity.
The situation escalated further 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 also issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, where he admitted, "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." The controversy touches on several broader industry debates. First, the ethical implications of replacing human writers with AI remain hotly contested. While AI can generate large volumes of text quickly and at low cost, many creators argue that it lacks the nuance, lived experience, and emotional resonance that a human author brings to narrative design.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the alleged substitution of a seasoned writer with a language model raised questions about the company's commitment to storytelling quality and its treatment of staff. Second, the incident highlights the importance of transparency in the use of AI tools. By adding the disclaimer, Saber Interactive acknowledges that consumers have a right to know how much of the game's content is machine‑generated. This move aligns with emerging best practices advocated by industry bodies, which suggest that developers should disclose AI involvement in marketing materials, in‑game dialogue, and other creative outputs.
Third, the personal dynamics between Karch and Sacco illustrate how quickly professional disagreements can become public. Karch's admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—reflects a common pitfall for leaders navigating heated online discourse. His subsequent attempts to make amends, both through a public apology and the addition of the Steam disclaimer, demonstrate an effort to repair the relationship and restore trust. From a business perspective, Saber Interactive's handling of the situation may have implications for its brand reputation.
The gaming community often reacts strongly to perceived mistreatment of creators, and any perception that a studio prioritizes cost‑saving AI over human talent can lead to backlash, negative press, and potential boycotts. By publicly acknowledging the issue and providing a concrete update on the Steam page, the company hopes to mitigate damage and show that it is listening to stakeholder concerns.
Looking ahead, the Rideshare Simulator project will likely serve as a case study for how mid‑tier developers balance AI integration with human creativity. If the final product delivers a compelling experience despite the controversy, it could validate the studio's approach and demonstrate that AI can be a supportive tool rather than a wholesale replacement. Conversely, if players detect a lack of depth or authenticity in the game's narrative, the episode may reinforce calls for stricter guidelines around AI usage in game writing.
In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to allegations of replacing a human writer with AI by posting a detailed disclaimer on the Steam store page for Rideshare Simulator. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized to former writer Stella Sacco, acknowledging his impulsive reaction to earlier comments and expressing a desire to make amends. The episode underscores ongoing debates about AI ethics, transparency, and the treatment of creative talent within the video game industry, while also offering a glimpse into how companies might navigate similar challenges in the future.