Saber Interactive has now posted an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer on the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current stance on AI usage and to address the controversy that has surrounded the development process.
The full text of the 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 taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications within the game's creation." In the wake of Sacco’s statements, Karch responded publicly, asserting that the former employee "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added that "in retrospect I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He went on to say, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames.
Karch emphasized that the studio had already acknowledged the use of AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. He framed the integration of AI as a benefit for consumers, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. The dispute 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 issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, in which 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." The controversy touches on several broader industry debates. First, the ethical implications of replacing human writers with large language models such as ChatGPT are still being hashed out across game development circles.
While AI can accelerate content generation, many creators argue that it cannot replicate the nuanced storytelling, cultural awareness, and emotional resonance that a seasoned writer brings to a project. In Sacco’s case, she claims she was removed from the team mid‑development, a move she attributes directly to the studio’s decision to lean on AI tools. Second, transparency with consumers is a growing concern. Gamers increasingly expect developers to disclose the extent of AI involvement, especially when it may affect narrative quality or gameplay balance.
By adding the disclaimer, Saber Interactive is attempting to pre‑empt further backlash and align with emerging best practices for openness. The company’s statement that AI usage will be a "plus for consumers" reflects a common industry narrative that AI can lower production costs and thus reduce retail prices, but critics caution that cost savings should not come at the expense of creative integrity. Third, the personal dynamics between Karch and Sacco illustrate how quickly professional disagreements can become public. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—highlights the pressures executives face when navigating social media storms.
His acknowledgment of being a "human being" is an attempt to humanize the response, yet it also underscores the need for measured communication strategies in crisis management. From a legal perspective, the situation raises questions about employment contracts and termination procedures. If Sacco’s claims about being replaced by AI are accurate, there may be implications regarding wrongful dismissal or breach of contract, depending on the terms of her agreement and any promises made about the role’s responsibilities. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive says it will continue to refine its AI policy and keep the Steam page updated as the game’s feature set solidifies.
The studio’s approach could serve as a case study for other developers wrestling with the balance between cutting‑edge technology and traditional craftsmanship. For now, the company appears committed to addressing the controversy head‑on, offering both a public apology and a concrete disclaimer to inform players about the role AI plays in Rideshare Simulator.
In summary, the episode underscores the delicate interplay between innovation, transparency, and human talent in modern game development. While AI offers powerful new tools, the industry must navigate how to integrate them responsibly, ensuring that creators like Stella Sacco are treated fairly and that consumers are kept fully informed about the creative processes behind the games they love.