Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a clear artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game's storefront, is intended to address concerns from the gaming community and to provide transparency about the role AI played during development. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed uses of artificial intelligence throughout the game's creation." In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Karch attempted to clarify the situation. He asserted that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." The CEO’s comments suggested a degree of ambivalence toward the use of generative tools, framing AI as a possible alternative to human labor in certain contexts.
During an appearance on the podcast "This Week In Videogames," Karch further explained his unfamiliarity with Sacco, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to say, "We have already announced that we are employing AI for specific portions of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch framed the incorporation of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We view our use of AI in this particular game as a plus for consumers," he said, implying that the technology could help keep costs down while delivering a polished experience.
The controversy took a personal turn when Sacco posted on the social‑media platform BlueSky over the weekend. In her message, she noted 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 also issued a public statement on LinkedIn, attempting to contextualise his earlier reaction. 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 episode raises broader questions about the evolving relationship between game developers and AI technologies. On one hand, tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models can accelerate content creation, generate dialogue, and even assist with design documentation.
On the other hand, the displacement of human writers—especially those who have contributed significantly to a project's narrative voice—has sparked ethical debates about fairness, credit, and the value of creative labor. Industry observers note that the gaming sector has been experimenting with AI for several years, from procedural world generation to automated testing. However, the use of AI for core narrative elements remains contentious.
Critics argue that while AI can produce grammatically correct text, it often lacks the nuance, emotional resonance, and cultural sensitivity that a seasoned writer brings to a story. Supporters counter that AI can serve as a collaborative partner, handling repetitive tasks and freeing human writers to focus on higher‑level storytelling.
Saber Interactive's decision to publicly acknowledge AI usage on the Steam page is relatively rare. Most studios either remain silent about the specific tools they employ or provide only vague statements about "technology integration." By explicitly mentioning AI, Saber is signaling a willingness to be transparent, but it also invites scrutiny from players who may feel uneasy about the authenticity of the game's narrative. The fallout from this incident also underscores the importance of clear internal communication within development teams. Sacco's claim that she was removed without a thorough explanation, followed by the CEO's admission of an impulsive reaction, suggests a breakdown in how personnel changes and technology decisions were communicated both internally and to the public.
In high‑visibility projects, missteps in messaging can quickly amplify into reputational damage. Looking ahead, the industry may see more formal guidelines emerge regarding AI disclosure. Some developers have already begun to label AI‑generated assets in their credits, while others are exploring contractual clauses that protect writers' rights when AI tools are introduced. Regulatory bodies in certain jurisdictions are also considering legislation that would require explicit consent when AI is used to replace human labor in creative fields.
For players who enjoy Rideshare Simulator, the practical impact of the AI disclaimer may be limited. The game itself remains a simulation of rideshare driving, offering players the chance to experience the day‑to‑day challenges of navigating city traffic, managing passenger expectations, and optimizing earnings. Whether the dialogue and mission briefings were crafted by a human hand or assisted by a language model is unlikely to alter the core gameplay loop.
Nonetheless, the perception of authenticity can affect immersion, especially for players who value storytelling depth. In summary, Saber Interactive's addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects a growing awareness of the need for transparency in the age of generative technology.
CEO Matt Karch's public apology to former writer Stella Sacco acknowledges a misstep in both personnel handling and communication style. The episode serves as a case study for the broader industry, highlighting the delicate balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and preserving the human creativity that has traditionally defined video game narratives.
As the conversation continues, both developers and players will be watching closely to see how these issues evolve and what standards become commonplace in the years to come.