Saber Interactive has taken the step of attaching an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam listing for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of criticism surrounding 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 store page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current and planned use of machine‑learning tools in the development process, and to address the controversy that erupted when former staff member Stella Sacco alleged that her role was eliminated and her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT. The full disclaimer 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 has asserted that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through production and that her duties were subsequently filled by an AI language model, while also suggesting that other, as‑yet‑undisclosed AI tools were employed throughout the game's creation.
In response, Mr. Karch has stated that Ms.
Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI."" In a candid interview with the video‑game podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch elaborated on the situation, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed its intention to incorporate AI for certain aspects of the game and that the Steam page would be updated once the final feature set was locked down.
"We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be priced lower than our flagship releases, as a benefit for consumers," he added. The dispute took a more personal turn when 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 later issued a public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama.
"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 confessed. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The episode highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative fields.
While many developers tout the efficiency gains and cost savings that language models and procedural generation can bring, critics worry that reliance on algorithms could marginalize human talent, especially writers, designers, and artists whose work traditionally adds nuance and emotional depth to interactive experiences. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, a game that aims to simulate the everyday challenges of a rideshare driver, the narrative component is a key differentiator; players expect realistic dialogue, situational humor, and authentic cultural references that reflect the lived experiences of gig‑economy workers. Industry analysts note that the legal landscape is still catching up with AI‑generated content.
Questions about copyright ownership, attribution, and the ethical implications of replacing human labor with algorithms remain largely unsettled. Some jurisdictions are already considering legislation that would require explicit disclosure when AI is used to produce consumer‑facing material, a move that likely influenced Saber Interactive's decision to add the Steam disclaimer. From a business perspective, the decision to position the AI usage as a "plus for consumers" reflects a strategic attempt to frame the technology as a value‑add rather than a cost‑cutting measure. Lower‑priced titles often have tighter budgets, and studios may view AI tools as a way to stretch resources without compromising the core gameplay loop.
However, this positioning can backfire if the community perceives the move as a disregard for creative labor, as appears to have happened in this instance. The fallout also underscores the importance of transparent internal communication. Sacco's claim that she was removed without clear justification and replaced by a machine‑learning model suggests a breakdown in how personnel changes were conveyed within the company. When such information leaks to the public, it can erode trust not only between employees and management but also between the studio and its fan base.
In the weeks ahead, Saber Interactive is expected to update its Steam page with more detailed information about which specific components of Rideshare Simulator are powered by AI—whether that includes dialogue generation, procedural city layout, or even marketing copy. The studio has also indicated that it will revisit its internal policies regarding AI deployment, potentially establishing guidelines that balance efficiency gains with respect for human contributors. For players and observers, the key takeaway is that the integration of AI into game development is no longer a speculative future scenario; it is happening now, and it brings both opportunities and challenges. As developers experiment with these tools, the industry will continue to grapple with how to honor the creative contributions of human writers while leveraging the speed and scalability of artificial intelligence.
The Saber Interactive episode serves as a cautionary tale about the need for clear communication, ethical consideration, and genuine accountability when navigating this evolving landscape.