Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The move comes as part of a broader effort to clarify the studio’s use of machine‑learning tools and to address concerns raised by former employee Stella Sacco, who alleges that her role was eliminated midway through development and that the studio subsequently relied on ChatGPT and other AI systems for copywriting and possibly other aspects of the game’s creation.
The full text of the newly posted disclaimer 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." By publishing this statement, Saber hopes to be transparent about where AI has been employed and to reassure potential buyers that any AI‑generated content will be clearly identified. In the wake of Sacco’s accusations, Karch offered a public response that mixed justification with a hint of regret. He claimed that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI.
The CEO’s remarks suggested that the decision to bring in artificial‑intelligence tools was not merely a cost‑cutting measure but, in his view, an improvement in talent and efficiency. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further downplayed his familiarity with Sacco, saying, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He referenced Claude, an AI assistant, to illustrate his point that he had no personal interaction with the writer. Karch also reiterated that Saber was already employing AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set had been locked down. He framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title.
"We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he said. The controversy 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." Her statement indicates that while she acknowledges the apology, she remains uncertain about what concrete steps will follow. Karch also issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, where he admitted to reacting emotionally. "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." This candid admission of an impulsive reaction was intended to soften the blow of his earlier statements and to signal a willingness to make amends. The episode highlights a growing tension in the video‑game industry between the adoption of AI technologies and the preservation of traditional creative roles. As studios experiment with language models to generate dialogue, marketing copy, and even procedural content, questions arise about the ethical treatment of human writers, the quality of AI‑produced material, and the transparency owed to players.
From a broader perspective, the Saber Interactive case serves as a cautionary tale for developers who might consider replacing staff with AI without clear communication. The backlash from both the gaming community and the writer involved underscores the importance of establishing clear policies, offering proper attribution, and maintaining open dialogue with employees when integrating AI into the workflow. In response to the situation, industry observers have called for more robust guidelines regarding AI usage in game development.
Some suggest that studios should disclose AI involvement not only on storefront pages but also within the game’s credits, ensuring that contributors—human or machine—receive appropriate acknowledgment. Others argue that there should be contractual safeguards protecting writers from abrupt termination in favor of automated solutions. For players, the key takeaway is that the presence of AI does not automatically diminish the quality of a game, but it does raise expectations for honesty about how content is created.
Saber Interactive’s decision to add the disclaimer may help restore confidence among consumers who value transparency, especially as AI tools become more prevalent across the entertainment sector. Looking ahead, the resolution of the dispute between Sacco and Saber remains uncertain.
While Karch’s apology signals a desire to move forward, the specifics of any reparative actions—whether financial compensation, a public acknowledgment in the game’s credits, or a commitment to future collaboration—have yet to be detailed. The gaming community will likely watch closely to see whether the studio follows through on its promises and whether the AI disclaimer becomes a standard practice for other developers navigating similar challenges. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects an attempt to address a contentious episode involving the dismissal of a writer and the subsequent use of ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch’s public apologies and admissions of impulsive behavior illustrate a willingness to engage with criticism, yet the long‑term impact on the studio’s reputation and on industry norms regarding AI remains to be seen.