Saber Interactive has taken the step of attaching an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current use of AI tools and to address the allegations that were raised by a former employee. The full wording of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco has alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications used during the creation of the game. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by another individual he described as ‘more talented’ and that her employment 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‑generated content." In an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch attempted to distance himself from the writer, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her in person." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed the use of AI for certain aspects of the game and that a revised Steam page would be published once the final feature list was locked down. "We view the incorporation of AI in this particular, lower‑priced title as a benefit for the consumer," he said. The controversy deepened over the weekend when Sacco posted a message on the social platform BlueSky, indicating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "I have stood firm from the beginning that my account was truthful; it now appears that the facts have been corroborated.
Matt expressed a desire to make amends, but I am still uncertain what that will look like for me. I need time to process this, though I do accept his apology." Karch later issued a public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding situation. "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 situation." The incident highlights a broader industry debate about the role of artificial intelligence in game development. While AI can accelerate tasks such as localization, procedural content generation, and even narrative drafting, many creators worry about the ethical implications of replacing human talent with machine‑generated output. In recent months, several high‑profile studios have faced scrutiny after employees raised concerns that AI tools were being used without transparent disclosure, leading to accusations of plagiarism, loss of creative control, and unfair labor practices. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game itself is positioned as a more affordable, niche experience that simulates the day‑to‑day operations of a rideshare driver.
The developers have emphasized that the core gameplay loops—such as managing passenger pickups, navigating city traffic, and balancing earnings—remain handcrafted. However, the AI disclaimer suggests that certain narrative elements, in‑game text, or marketing copy may have been assisted or generated by language models like ChatGPT or Claude.
Industry analysts note that the use of AI in lower‑budget titles can be a pragmatic decision. Smaller teams often lack the resources to employ dedicated writers for every line of dialogue or description, and AI can fill gaps quickly.
Yet the ethical line becomes blurred when a studio replaces a full‑time writer without clear communication, especially if the writer’s contract or expectations were not honored. Stella Sacco’s tenure at Saber Interactive spanned a year, during which she reportedly contributed to the narrative framework of Rideshare Simulator. According to her statements, she was removed from the project before its final stages and subsequently let go from the company. Her allegations include not only the substitution of her work with AI but also a broader pattern of undisclosed AI usage throughout the development pipeline.
These claims have sparked discussions among game journalists and labor advocates about the need for stronger policies governing AI transparency. Matt Karch’s apology, while a step toward reconciliation, has been met with mixed reactions. Some observers appreciate the acknowledgment of a hasty response and the willingness to correct the record.
Others argue that a more substantive apology—such as offering restitution, reinstating the writer’s credit, or providing a clear roadmap for future AI disclosure—would be necessary to fully address the breach of trust. The revised Steam disclaimer now serves as a tangible reminder that the industry is still navigating how to balance technological innovation with human creativity and fair labor practices.
As AI continues to evolve, studios like Saber Interactive will likely face increasing pressure to adopt transparent policies, ensure proper attribution, and maintain open dialogue with both employees and the gaming community. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam page follows a contentious episode involving former writer Stella Sacco, who alleges she was replaced by AI and subsequently terminated. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized, citing an impulsive reaction to criticism, and has pledged to clarify the studio’s AI usage in future updates. The episode underscores the growing conversation about ethical AI deployment in game development, the importance of clear communication with staff, and the need for industry‑wide standards that protect both creators and consumers.