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 debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools.
The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco claims she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator team midway through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications throughout the game's creation." In the wake of these allegations, Karch responded publicly, stating that Sacco "was replaced by a more talented individual and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "In hindsight, I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or even seen her in person.
We have already disclosed that we are employing AI for certain aspects of the game and will update the Steam page once the feature set is finalized." He continued, "We view our use of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a benefit for consumers, providing cost efficiencies that can be passed on to players." The controversy took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, noting that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "From the beginning I have stood firm that my account was truthful; it now appears that the facts support my statements. Matt expressed a desire to make amends with me. At this point I’m not sure what that looks like, and I need time to process it, but I do accept his apology." Karch also issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, in which he admitted, "I unfortunately got triggered by certain later comments (for reasons I won’t go 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 situation." The episode highlights several broader issues that are currently shaping the video game industry. First, the integration of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models into creative workflows is accelerating. Studios are experimenting with AI to generate dialogue, quest text, marketing copy, and even concept art. While these technologies can dramatically reduce production time and costs, they also raise questions about authorship, transparency, and the treatment of human writers.
Second, the dispute underscores the importance of clear communication and contractual clarity when AI is used. Many writers’ contracts still assume that the human author will produce the final text, and there is limited precedent for how AI‑generated content should be credited or compensated.
In Sacco’s case, her claim that she was removed and replaced by a machine‑generated script has ignited a conversation about whether studios should disclose AI involvement to both staff and players. Third, the public apology from Karch illustrates the growing expectation that CEOs and other leaders be accountable for their statements, especially when they involve sensitive personnel matters. By acknowledging his impulsive reaction and offering to make amends, Karch is attempting to mitigate reputational damage, but the incident also serves as a cautionary tale about the speed at which social media can amplify internal conflicts.
From a consumer perspective, the addition of an AI disclaimer on the Steam page is a step toward greater transparency. Players who are concerned about the authenticity of narrative content now have a clear notice that some portions of the game may have been generated with the assistance of AI. This could influence purchasing decisions, especially among gamers who value handcrafted storytelling.
Looking ahead, the industry may see a rise in standardized guidelines for AI usage in game development. Organizations such as the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and various labor unions are already discussing best practices, including how to credit AI contributions, how to protect writer wages, and how to ensure that AI does not replace human creativity entirely.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on Rideshare Simulator’s Steam listing, coupled with CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco, reflects a pivotal moment where technology, labor rights, and corporate communication intersect. As AI continues to permeate the creative sectors, the balance between efficiency and ethical responsibility will remain a central challenge for developers, publishers, and the gaming community at large.