Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit AI usage disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of text generated by artificial intelligence. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s Steam listing, is intended to clarify the studio’s stance on AI and to address the accusations that had been circulating online. The full wording of the new 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 to July 2024.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the game’s creation. In response, Mr.
Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by another individual he described as more talented and that she was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated on the situation, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He continued, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set." Karch positioned the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is marketed as a lower‑priced title.
He explained, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers." The controversy took a personal turn when former writer Stella Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." Sacco 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 unfolding debate was hasty. 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 episode highlights several broader issues that are currently shaping the video game industry.
First, the increasing reliance on AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other language models for generating in‑game text, marketing copy, and even design documentation is prompting studios to reconsider how they credit and compensate human creators. While AI can accelerate production and reduce costs, it also raises ethical questions about authorship, transparency, and the potential displacement of skilled writers.
Second, the situation underscores the importance of clear communication with both employees and the public. When a high‑profile developer like Saber Interactive makes a change to its staffing or workflow—especially one that involves cutting‑edge technology—there is an expectation that the company will be upfront about the reasons and the impact on the people involved.
In this case, the lack of early disclosure led to speculation, social‑media backlash, and ultimately a public apology. Third, the incident reflects the human element behind corporate decision‑making. Karch’s admission that he was "triggered" and responded impulsively is a reminder that leaders are not immune to emotional reactions, particularly when faced with criticism. His willingness to acknowledge the misstep and to promise corrective action may help rebuild trust, but it also serves as a cautionary tale for other executives navigating the fast‑moving landscape of AI integration.
From a legal perspective, the use of AI in creative projects can intersect with intellectual property law. If a writer’s contributions are replaced by AI‑generated text, questions arise about ownership of the resulting content, the rights of the former employee, and any contractual obligations regarding attribution or severance.
While no lawsuit has been filed in this particular case, the broader industry is watching closely for precedents that could shape future employment contracts and licensing agreements. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive’s decision to add the AI disclaimer may set a new standard for transparency in the gaming sector. Other studios might follow suit, providing players with clear information about how much of a game’s narrative, dialogue, or marketing material is AI‑assisted. Such disclosures could become a selling point for consumers who value authenticity, or a warning label for those who prefer human‑crafted experiences.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s recent actions—including the addition of an AI usage notice on Steam, the public apology from CEO Matt Karch, and the ongoing dialogue with former writer Stella Sacco—illustrate the complex interplay between technology, labor, and communication in modern game development. As AI tools become more sophisticated and more widely adopted, the industry will need to balance efficiency gains with ethical considerations, ensuring that creators are respected and that players are kept informed about the origins of the content they enjoy.