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. This move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools.
The full disclaimer now reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who worked at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024, and stated she was removed from Rideshare midway through development and replaced with ChatGPT, while alleging other then-unannounced use of AI in the game's development." The background to the controversy centers on Stella Sacco, a narrative designer who joined Saber Interactive in mid‑2023. According to Sacco, she was taken off the Rideshare Simulator team partway through the production cycle and her responsibilities were handed over to a version of ChatGPT, the popular language model developed by OpenAI.
Sacco also alleged that additional, undisclosed AI tools were employed in various aspects of the game's creation, from dialogue scripting to marketing copy. In a public statement, Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded to the accusations.
He claimed that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added a somewhat surprising remark: "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch's comments suggested that the decision to bring AI into the workflow was not merely a cost‑saving measure but, in his view, a potentially beneficial one for the final product. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated on his lack of direct interaction with Sacco.
He said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," referencing Claude, another AI conversational agent.
He went on to explain that the company had already been transparent about employing AI for certain components of the game and that an updated Steam page would be posted once the feature set was finalized. Karch framed the use of AI as a value‑add for consumers, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title within Saber’s portfolio. The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on the social network 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 also issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. 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 several broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, the responsibilities of employers toward their staff, and the transparency expected by consumers.
On one hand, developers argue that AI can accelerate production, generate large volumes of placeholder text, and assist writers in brainstorming ideas. On the other hand, critics warn that over‑reliance on machine‑generated content could diminish the authenticity of storytelling and potentially marginalize human talent.
For a game like Rideshare Simulator, which aims to recreate the everyday experience of rideshare drivers, narrative authenticity is a key selling point. Players expect realistic dialogue, nuanced character interactions, and a sense of genuine human experience behind the virtual rides. If AI tools are used merely as a shortcut for dialogue generation, the risk is that the resulting script may feel generic or lack the subtle humor that a seasoned writer could provide. Industry observers note that the gaming sector has been experimenting with AI for years, from procedural level design to voice synthesis.
However, the public acknowledgment of AI replacing a human writer mid‑project is relatively rare and has sparked debate on platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and professional forums. Some developers have voiced support for AI as a collaborative assistant, while others have called for stricter guidelines to ensure that human creators receive proper credit and compensation.
Saber Interactive’s decision to add an explicit AI disclaimer to the Steam store page can be seen as an effort to restore trust with the community. By being upfront about the technology used, the company hopes to avoid accusations of misleading consumers. The disclaimer also serves as a precedent for other studios that may face similar scrutiny as AI tools become more accessible and powerful.
In the aftermath of the controversy, both parties appear to be taking steps toward resolution. Sacco’s acceptance of Karch’s apology, albeit with reservations, suggests a willingness to move forward, while Karch’s public acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction signals a degree of accountability.
Whether this episode will lead to lasting policy changes within Saber Interactive—or across the wider industry—remains to be seen. For gamers and industry watchers alike, the saga underscores the evolving intersection of technology, creativity, and workplace ethics. As AI continues to permeate the development pipeline, studios will need to balance efficiency gains with the preservation of human artistry, ensuring that the stories they tell retain the depth and authenticity that players value. In summary, Saber Interactive has placed an AI usage notice on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after a dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco, who claimed she was replaced by ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch apologized publicly, admitting he reacted hastily to criticism. The incident highlights ongoing debates about AI’s place in game development, the importance of transparency, and the need for clear policies that protect both creators and consumers.