Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. This move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project in order to replace her contributions with content generated by AI tools. The full text of the newly added disclosure reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 to July 2024, and who has alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its development and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT. She also alleged that other, as‑yet‑unannounced, AI techniques were employed throughout the game's creation." In a subsequent interview, Karch attempted to address the allegations.
He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added a somewhat surprising comment: "In retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s remarks suggest a willingness to consider AI as a viable substitute for human labor, at least in his view. When pressed for more detail by the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch responded with a mixture of sarcasm and deflection. "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI model Claude.
He went on to explain that the studio had already announced its intention to use AI for certain aspects of the game and that a more comprehensive update to the Steam page would be posted once the feature set was finalized. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers," Karch added, framing the technology as a consumer benefit rather than a controversial replacement for human writers. The controversy took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, stating 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 separate public statement on LinkedIn, where he admitted that his reaction to the situation had been hasty.
"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 wrote. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The episode raises several broader questions about the role of AI in video game development, the ethics of replacing human creators with machine‑generated content, and how companies should communicate such changes to their audiences. On one hand, AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models can accelerate the production of dialogue, quest descriptions, and even code snippets, potentially reducing costs and speeding up timelines.
On the other hand, the displacement of skilled writers—individuals who bring narrative nuance, cultural awareness, and emotional depth to interactive experiences—can be seen as a devaluation of creative labor. Industry observers note that while AI is increasingly being integrated into asset creation pipelines—such as generating concept art, procedural textures, or testing scenarios—most major studios still rely heavily on human writers for story beats, character development, and world‑building.
The controversy surrounding Saber Interactive therefore serves as a cautionary tale: transparency and respectful treatment of staff are essential when experimenting with new technologies. From a legal standpoint, there are also potential ramifications.
Employment contracts may contain clauses about intellectual property ownership and the use of third‑party tools. If a writer's contributions are replaced by AI‑generated text, questions arise about who owns the resulting content and whether the original author is entitled to credit or compensation. In some jurisdictions, AI‑generated works may not be eligible for copyright protection, which could further complicate matters. Consumers, too, have a stake in the discussion.
Players who purchase a lower‑priced title like Rideshare Simulator might expect a certain level of narrative quality. If AI is employed in a way that compromises storytelling, it could affect reviews, player satisfaction, and ultimately sales. Conversely, if AI is used to enhance localization, generate dynamic side‑quests, or provide adaptive dialogue, it could enrich the player experience. In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive has pledged to keep the Steam page updated as it finalises the AI features slated for inclusion.
The company also indicated that it will monitor community feedback and adjust its approach accordingly. Whether this will satisfy critics remains to be seen, but the public apology from Karch suggests an awareness that the situation has damaged the studio's reputation. The episode underscores the importance of clear communication when integrating emerging technologies into creative workflows. Companies that choose to adopt AI should consider establishing guidelines that outline when and how AI may be used, how human contributors will be credited, and what steps will be taken to ensure that the final product meets quality standards.
By doing so, they can mitigate the risk of misunderstandings, legal disputes, and public relations crises. In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an attempt to address concerns raised by former writer Stella Sacco and the broader gaming community.
CEO Matt Karch's subsequent apology—though admitted to being impulsive—signals a willingness to make amends. The incident highlights the delicate balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and preserving the human creativity that has long defined the medium. As AI tools become more sophisticated, the industry will likely see more debates of this nature, making transparency, ethical considerations, and respectful treatment of talent essential components of any successful implementation.