Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. In the original statement posted on Steam, the company acknowledges the controversy and outlines its stance on the matter.
The full 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. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications throughout the game's creation." In a subsequent interview, Karch addressed Sacco's claims, stating that the writer was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and adding, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." He went on to say, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during a conversation with the podcast This Week In Videogames. Karch further explained, "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." The CEO framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting, "We view our AI integration in this particular title—intended as a lower‑priced offering—as a plus for players." This perspective reflects a growing industry trend where developers leverage AI tools to accelerate content creation, reduce costs, and experiment with new design possibilities.
Over the weekend, Sacco posted a message on the social platform BlueSky, stating 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 later issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, where he wrote, "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 incident highlights several broader issues within the gaming industry. First, the ethical considerations of replacing human creative staff with AI remain a hotly debated topic.
While AI can generate dialogue, descriptions, and even narrative arcs at speed, many argue that it lacks the nuance, cultural awareness, and emotional depth that seasoned writers bring to a project. The removal of a writer mid‑development raises questions about contractual obligations, workplace transparency, and the moral responsibilities of studios toward their employees. Second, the public apology underscores the importance of communication strategy in crisis management.
Karch's admission that he acted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—demonstrates a rare moment of vulnerability from a tech executive. By acknowledging his mistake and promising corrective actions, he attempts to rebuild trust with both the affected writer and the broader community of gamers and industry observers.
Third, the situation serves as a case study in how AI disclosures are becoming a standard practice on digital storefronts. Steam, Epic Games Store, and other platforms are increasingly requiring developers to label AI‑generated content, ensuring that consumers are aware of the tools used in production.
This transparency helps mitigate potential backlash and aligns with emerging regulations in regions like the European Union, where AI labeling is expected to become mandatory. From a consumer perspective, the disclaimer may affect purchasing decisions. Some players appreciate the efficiency and novelty AI can bring, while others fear a loss of authenticity or worry about the quality of AI‑crafted narratives. By positioning AI as a "plus for consumers," Saber Interactive is betting that the perceived benefits—such as lower price points and faster updates—will outweigh concerns.
Looking ahead, the industry is likely to see more hybrid approaches, where AI assists human creators rather than replaces them outright. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models can handle repetitive or data‑driven tasks, freeing writers to focus on high‑impact storytelling, character development, and world‑building. The key will be establishing clear guidelines, fair compensation structures, and open dialogue about the role of AI in the creative pipeline. In summary, Saber Interactive's addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects both a response to specific allegations involving former writer Stella Sacco and a broader shift toward greater transparency about AI usage in games.
CEO Matt Karch's public apology and acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction aim to mend relationships and demonstrate accountability. The episode underscores ongoing debates about ethics, employee rights, and consumer expectations in an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly woven into the fabric of video game development.