Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s storefront, seeks to clarify the studio’s current stance on AI usage and to address the allegations that have been circulating in the gaming press and on social media.
The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments made by Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 through July 2024. Ms. Sacco has asserted that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI tools used throughout the game's creation.
In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by a colleague he described as 'more talented' and that her contract was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI.
"Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames. "We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain aspects of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." "We view our use of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a benefit for consumers." In a post on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, Sacco 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." Karch also posted a public comment on LinkedIn, stating, "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 began when Sacco, who served as the lead narrative writer on Rideshare Simulator, publicly alleged that her position had been eliminated partway through the project's development cycle and that the studio had turned to ChatGPT—a large language model developed by OpenAI—to generate dialogue, mission briefings, and other in‑game text.
Her statements suggested a broader, undisclosed reliance on AI tools across the game's production pipeline, raising ethical questions about transparency, labor practices, and the quality of AI‑generated content in interactive entertainment. Matt Karch, the chief executive officer of Saber Interactive, responded swiftly but controversially. In an interview with This Week In Videogames, he appeared to downplay Sacco's claims, describing her replacement as a "more talented" individual and implying that the decision to use AI was a strategic choice rather than a cost‑cutting measure.
He also made a puzzling remark about consulting the AI assistant Claude—developed by Anthropic—because he claimed he had never actually met Sacco. This comment added fuel to the fire, as many observers interpreted it as further evidence that the company might be substituting human talent with machine‑generated content.
The public backlash was immediate. Fans, journalists, and industry watchdogs questioned whether Saber Interactive was adhering to best practices for AI disclosure. Critics argued that if a game relies on AI for narrative elements, players have a right to know, especially when the AI may produce repetitive or incoherent dialogue.
Moreover, the alleged dismissal of a human writer raised concerns about job security in an industry already grappling with automation. In response to the mounting pressure, Saber Interactive updated the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator to include a clear AI disclaimer. The notice acknowledges that certain components of the game—such as in‑game signage, tutorial prompts, and some character lines—were generated with the assistance of AI tools. It also promises that the studio will provide further details once the feature set is finalized, suggesting that the AI integration is still a work in progress rather than a fully implemented system.
Beyond the Steam notice, the situation sparked a broader conversation about how game developers should handle AI transparency. Many industry voices advocated for a standardized labeling system, similar to the content warnings used for violence or mature themes, that would inform players when AI has been employed in the creation of story, dialogue, or procedural content. Others called for stronger labor protections to ensure that writers and other creative professionals are not arbitrarily replaced without due process. Saber Interactive’s handling of the incident also highlighted the human side of corporate communication.
In a later LinkedIn post, Karch admitted that he had been "triggered" by subsequent comments and that his initial reaction was impulsive: "I shot first and thought second about how to respond." He framed the misstep as a moment of human error, emphasizing his intention to make amends. While some praised the apology as a step toward accountability, others remained skeptical, noting that the apology came after significant public scrutiny and that concrete actions—such as reinstating Sacco or offering compensation—were not detailed.
Stella Sacco’s statement on BlueSky reflected a cautious optimism. She acknowledged Karch’s apology but also expressed uncertainty about what remediation would look like for her personally. Her remarks underscored the lingering tension between the studio and its former employee, as well as the broader issue of how AI-driven decisions impact real people’s careers. As of now, Rideshare Simulator remains slated for release as a budget-friendly title aimed at players interested in managing a ridesharing business in a simulated urban environment.
The game promises a blend of strategic planning, vehicle customization, and dynamic passenger interactions. Whether the AI‑generated content will affect the overall player experience remains to be seen, but the controversy has already left an indelible mark on the game's public perception.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator is a direct reaction to accusations that the studio replaced a human writer with ChatGPT and possibly other AI tools. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology, his admission of an impulsive response, and the ongoing dialogue about AI transparency and labor rights illustrate the complex challenges the gaming industry faces as it navigates the integration of advanced language models into creative workflows. The situation serves as a cautionary tale for developers: clear communication, ethical AI usage, and respect for human contributors are essential to maintaining trust with both the gaming community and the creators behind the experiences.