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 public dispute in which the company was accused of removing a human writer from the project and substituting her work with content generated by AI tools such as ChatGPT. The new notice is intended to provide transparency to players and to address the concerns raised by the controversy.
The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco. Ms. Sacco was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. She has alleged that she was taken off the Rideshare Simulator team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by an AI language model.
She also claims that other, as‑yet‑unannounced, AI technologies were employed during the creation of the game." In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Karch responded to Sacco's allegations. He said that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, "I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI if the situation called for it." He further explained that his knowledge of Sacco was limited, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an appearance on the podcast This Week In Videogames.
Karch also reiterated that Saber is already using AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set is locked down. "We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers," Karch said, suggesting that the technology could help keep the game's price competitive while still delivering a polished experience.
The dispute escalated on the social‑media platform BlueSky, where Sacco posted 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 statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the situation. 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 controversy touches on several broader industry trends. First, the use of AI-generated text in video game development is becoming more common as studios look for ways to cut costs and accelerate production timelines.
Language models can produce dialogue, item descriptions, and even narrative arcs in a fraction of the time it would take a human writer. However, the technology also raises ethical questions about authorship, compensation, and the quality of creative work.
Critics argue that replacing human writers with AI can diminish the nuance and emotional resonance that seasoned writers bring to a project. Second, the incident highlights the importance of clear communication and documentation when AI tools are employed. Many developers are now drafting internal policies that outline when and how AI may be used, as well as how credit should be attributed. By adding the AI disclaimer to the Steam page, Saber Interactive is aligning itself with a growing movement toward transparency, allowing players to make informed decisions about the products they purchase.
Third, the personal dynamics between Sacco and Karch illustrate how quickly professional disagreements can become public and personal in the age of social media. Both parties have used different platforms—BlueSky, LinkedIn, podcasts—to share their perspectives, turning an internal staffing issue into a broader conversation about workplace respect and accountability. From a consumer standpoint, the added disclaimer may affect how players perceive the game's value.
Some may appreciate the honesty and view AI assistance as a cost‑saving measure that could result in a lower price point. Others may worry that reliance on AI could lead to generic or less engaging content, especially in a simulation game that relies heavily on realistic dialogue and scenario building.
In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to publicly acknowledge AI involvement in Rideshare Simulator reflects both a response to specific allegations and a larger shift toward openness about emerging technologies in game development. CEO Matt Karch's apology to former writer Stella Sacco signals an attempt to mend professional relationships, while the company's updated Steam listing serves as a concrete step toward greater transparency for the gaming community.
The episode underscores the delicate balance studios must strike between leveraging AI for efficiency and maintaining the creative integrity that players expect from immersive, story‑driven experiences.