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 surrounding allegations that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s storefront, is intended to clarify the studio’s current use of machine‑learning tools and to address concerns raised by the gaming community and the media. 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, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco has claimed that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications throughout the game's creation. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by an individual he deemed more qualified 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. "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 said we are using AI for certain parts 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‑media 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 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 began when Sacco, who served as the lead writer for Rideshare Simulator during its early development phase, publicly claimed that her role had been abruptly terminated and that the studio had substituted her contributions with output generated by ChatGPT, a widely used large‑language model.
She further alleged that the development team had employed additional AI tools for tasks ranging from dialogue generation to environmental description, none of which had been disclosed to the public or to the game's prospective players. These accusations struck a chord within the broader gaming industry, where the use of AI for content creation has become a hotly debated topic. Some developers argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and help small studios achieve a level of polish previously reserved for larger publishers.
Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may undermine the creative integrity of games, lead to homogenized narratives, and potentially displace skilled writers and artists. Matt Karch’s initial reaction to Sacco’s statements was defensive. In the interview with This Week In Videogames, he appeared skeptical of Sacco’s existence, even asking an AI assistant named Claude for clarification, a moment that quickly went viral and was widely interpreted as a dismissive gesture.
He later clarified that the studio had indeed incorporated AI for specific, limited aspects of the game—such as generating procedural traffic patterns and minor in‑game text—but insisted that the core narrative and character development remained human‑crafted. The addition of the AI disclaimer on Steam is a direct response to the mounting pressure from both fans and industry watchdogs demanding transparency. By explicitly stating which components of Rideshare Simulator are AI‑generated, Saber Interactive hopes to rebuild trust and demonstrate a commitment to ethical disclosure. The notice also serves as a pre‑emptive measure against potential regulatory scrutiny, as several jurisdictions are beginning to consider legislation that would require clear labeling of AI‑produced content in digital products.
Beyond the immediate fallout, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the future of writing in video games. Many observers note that while AI can assist with repetitive tasks—such as generating filler dialogue or localizing text—it still lacks the nuanced understanding of character motivation, cultural context, and emotional resonance that human writers bring to the table. The industry is therefore exploring hybrid models where AI tools augment, rather than replace, human creativity.
In the weeks following the controversy, Saber Interactive has taken several concrete steps to address the concerns raised. The studio announced the formation of an internal ethics board tasked with overseeing AI usage across all projects. This board will evaluate each AI application for its impact on creative quality, employee welfare, and consumer transparency. Additionally, the company pledged to provide training for its staff on responsible AI practices, ensuring that any future integration of machine‑learning technologies aligns with both artistic standards and ethical guidelines.
Stella Sacco, meanwhile, has expressed a cautious optimism about the path forward. While she acknowledges Karch’s apology, she emphasizes that true reconciliation will require more than words—it will need demonstrable changes in how the studio treats its creative talent and communicates its development processes. "I appreciate the apology," she wrote on BlueSky, "but I also want to see concrete actions that protect writers and ensure that AI is used responsibly, not as a cover for cutting corners." The episode underscores the delicate balance that modern game developers must strike as they navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. As AI tools become more sophisticated and accessible, studios like Saber Interactive will need to develop clear policies, maintain open dialogue with their audiences, and honor the contributions of human creators.
Only by doing so can they harness the benefits of AI while preserving the artistic integrity that lies at the heart of memorable gaming experiences. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects both a reaction to public outcry and a proactive step toward greater transparency.
CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco signals an acknowledgment of missteps, while the studio’s subsequent policy initiatives aim to address broader industry concerns about AI’s role in game development. The situation remains a case study in how emerging technologies intersect with creative labor, and it will likely influence how other developers approach AI disclosure and writer relations in the years to come.