Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy surrounding allegations that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of AI‑generated text. The move comes amid a broader discussion in the gaming industry about the ethical use of AI tools, transparency with consumers, and the treatment of creative staff. The full disclaimer now reads as follows: "This update follows recent remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco claims she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the game's creation. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by an individual he described as more talented and that her employment was terminated for a range 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." The disclaimer also references a recent post on the social platform BlueSky where 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." In a separate public statement on LinkedIn, Karch 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 situation began when a former employee, Stella Sacco, publicly alleged that her role as lead writer on Rideshare Simulator had been terminated and that the studio had turned to ChatGPT and other AI systems to fill the gap.
Sacco's claims resonated with a growing cohort of developers who worry that AI could be used to replace human creativity without proper acknowledgment or compensation. Her statements also raised questions about internal communication at Saber Interactive and whether the company had been forthcoming about its AI strategy. Matt Karch's initial reaction was defensive. In the This Week In Videogames interview, he appeared bewildered, stating he had never met Sacco and had to consult an AI assistant—Claude—to learn about her.
He emphasized that the studio had already disclosed the use of AI for certain game components and promised to update the Steam page once the feature list was finalized. Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer advantage, suggesting that the lower price point of Rideshare Simulator would be offset by the efficiencies gained through machine‑generated content. However, the tone of Karch's comments shifted after Sacco posted her apology note on BlueSky.
She described Karch's earlier statements as "awful" and highlighted that his subsequent apology was "unreserved," indicating a willingness to make amends. Karch's LinkedIn post further humanized the episode, acknowledging that he had reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—when confronted with criticism. He framed his response as a mistake born of emotion rather than malice, and pledged to take corrective action.
The addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page serves multiple purposes. First, it provides transparency to players who may be concerned about the authenticity of the game's narrative and dialogue. Second, it aligns Saber Interactive with emerging industry standards that call for clear labeling of AI‑generated content. Finally, it acts as a public relations measure to mitigate reputational damage after the controversy attracted attention from gaming journalists and community forums.
Industry observers note that this incident reflects a larger trend: as AI tools become more sophisticated, studios are grappling with how to integrate them responsibly. Some developers view AI as a supplemental aid—helping with localization, bug testing, or procedural generation—while others fear it could erode the role of writers, artists, and programmers.
The debate often centers on issues of authorship, compensation, and the preservation of creative integrity. For players, the key takeaway is that the version of Rideshare Simulator currently available on Steam includes AI‑assisted elements, though the exact scope remains to be fully detailed.
Saber Interactive has promised to refine the disclaimer as the development process concludes, suggesting that future updates may clarify which parts of the game—such as in‑game signage, side‑quest text, or NPC dialogue—were generated or enhanced by AI. In the broader context, the episode underscores the importance of clear communication between studios, their staff, and the gaming community. When allegations of AI replacement arise, swift and transparent responses can help maintain trust.
Conversely, defensive or dismissive reactions may exacerbate tensions, as seen in Karch's early remarks. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive appears committed to addressing the concerns raised. By publicly acknowledging the use of AI, issuing an apology, and updating its product page, the company is attempting to balance innovation with accountability. Whether these steps will satisfy critics or set a precedent for other studios remains to be seen, but the conversation about AI's role in game development is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Overall, the saga of Rideshare Simulator highlights the delicate interplay between technology, creativity, and corporate responsibility. It serves as a case study for how studios can navigate the challenges of integrating AI while respecting the contributions of human creators, and it offers a reminder that transparent dialogue—both internally and with the public—is essential for fostering a healthy, forward‑looking gaming ecosystem.