Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had sidelined a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT.
Sacco further suggested that other, still‑unrevealed aspects of the game’s creation might also have involved AI tools. In response to the growing uproar, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, released a statement attempting to clarify the situation. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and went on to say that, looking back, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with artificial intelligence.
Karch’s remarks were captured in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he added a somewhat flippant comment: "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 finalized the feature set." Karch 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 explained, implying that the technology could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience.
The dispute took a more personal turn when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating 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 public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the controversy.
"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 admitted. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page is a concrete step meant to increase transparency for potential buyers. The notice reads in full: "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 disclaimer, Saber hopes to address concerns from the gaming community, many of whom have voiced worries about the ethical implications of replacing human creativity with algorithmic output.
The debate touches on broader industry trends, as more studios experiment with large language models to generate dialogue, quest text, and even narrative arcs. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production timelines and reduce costs, while critics warn that over‑reliance on such tools may erode the unique voice that human writers bring to interactive experiences.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is marketed as a budget‑friendly simulation that lets players experience the day‑to‑day challenges of a rideshare driver. The developers have promised a blend of realistic cityscapes, dynamic passenger interactions, and a nuanced economic system.
Whether AI will be responsible for the in‑game dialogue, mission briefs, or tutorial prompts remains partially undisclosed, but the Steam disclaimer signals that at least some portions of the textual content will be generated or assisted by artificial intelligence. The incident also underscores the importance of clear communication within development teams.
Sacco’s claim that she was abruptly removed and substituted with a machine sparked a public relations issue that forced the company to confront both internal personnel practices and external perceptions of AI usage. Karch’s later apology suggests an attempt to mend the professional relationship, though he stopped short of detailing any concrete reparations or policy changes. Industry observers note that this episode may serve as a cautionary tale for other studios navigating the integration of AI tools.
Transparent documentation, fair credit attribution, and open dialogue with staff are likely to become best practices as the technology becomes more prevalent. Moreover, consumer expectations for disclosure are rising; gamers increasingly demand to know whether the narrative elements they are engaging with were crafted by a human author or a machine. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects a growing awareness of the need for honesty about the role of artificial intelligence in game development.
CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco attempts to address personal grievances, while the broader conversation continues about how AI should be responsibly employed in creative industries. The final impact on the game's reception will depend on how well the studio balances cost‑saving innovations with the preservation of authentic, human‑driven storytelling.