Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam 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 dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of AI‑generated text. The new notice is intended to provide transparency to players and to address the concerns raised by the former employee and the broader gaming community. The full text of the AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through its development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed applications of AI technology throughout the game's creation." In his public response, Karch acknowledged Sacco's departure and offered a contentious justification. 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, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." This admission sparked further debate about the ethical implications of substituting human writers with machine‑generated content, especially in a medium that relies heavily on narrative nuance and player immersion.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared flustered when asked about Sacco. He remarked, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," referencing the AI model Claude as a tongue‑in‑cheek way of indicating his unfamiliarity with the former writer.
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 framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating, "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 escalated when 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." 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 took to LinkedIn to offer a more detailed explanation of his reaction.
In a candid post 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." This admission of impulsive behavior was intended to soften the criticism, but many observers felt it underscored a deeper issue of accountability within the studio.
The broader gaming industry has been watching this dispute closely, as it touches on a growing trend: the integration of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models into game development pipelines. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate content creation, reduce costs, and enable smaller studios to produce richer experiences. Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may diminish the role of skilled writers, lead to homogenized storytelling, and raise questions about intellectual property and authorship.
For players, the practical impact of the AI disclaimer may be modest. Rideshare Simulator is marketed as a lower‑priced, niche title that simulates the day‑to‑day challenges of a rideshare driver.
The game's core mechanics revolve around navigation, time management, and customer interaction, with narrative elements primarily delivered through mission briefings and in‑game dialogue. Whether AI‑generated text will noticeably affect the quality of these interactions remains to be seen. From a legal standpoint, transparency about AI usage can help avoid potential disputes over false advertising or misrepresentation.
By explicitly stating that certain portions of the game were created with AI assistance, Saber Interactive aligns itself with emerging best practices recommended by consumer protection agencies and industry bodies. The episode also highlights the human side of corporate communication. Karch's admission that he was "triggered" and responded without pausing reflects a common pitfall for executives navigating public controversy.
His subsequent apology and promise to "rectify" the situation suggest an attempt to rebuild trust, but the effectiveness of those gestures will depend on concrete actions—such as offering Sacco appropriate credit, compensation, or a clear path toward reconciliation. In summary, Saber Interactive's addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page serves as both a factual update for consumers and a symbolic acknowledgment of the ongoing debate surrounding artificial intelligence in creative industries. CEO Matt Karch's public apologies, delivered via both social media and professional networking sites, illustrate the challenges of managing reputation in an era where AI tools are becoming commonplace. As the industry continues to experiment with these technologies, the balance between efficiency and artistic integrity will remain a focal point of discussion, and the outcome of this particular dispute may set a precedent for how studios handle similar situations in the future.