Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a clear artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game's profile, serves both as an acknowledgment of the controversy and as a commitment to greater transparency about the role of machine‑learning tools in the project's development.
The full wording of the 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 studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project part‑way through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed uses of artificial intelligence throughout the game's creation." In the wake of these allegations, Karch responded publicly, stating that Sacco "was replaced by someone we considered more talented and was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later." He added a reflective comment, "In hindsight, I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." The CEO's remarks were captured during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he further explained his lack of direct interaction with Sacco: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." Karch continued, "We have already disclosed that we are employing AI for certain aspects of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." He framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting, "We view our AI integration in this lower‑priced title as a value‑add for players." The controversy escalated 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 separate public statement on LinkedIn, where 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 incident highlights a growing tension within the video‑game industry as studios experiment with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models to streamline writing, dialogue, and even design documentation. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and free creative talent to focus on higher‑level storytelling.
Critics, however, warn that reliance on automated text generation may undermine the role of professional writers, erode the quality of narrative depth, and raise ethical concerns about attribution and labor practices. In this particular case, the timeline is crucial. Sacco joined Saber Interactive in mid‑2023, contributing to the early phases of Rideshare Simulator's concept and narrative framework.
According to her statements, she was removed from the project sometime before the summer of 2024, at which point the studio allegedly turned to ChatGPT to produce in‑game copy, mission briefings, and possibly UI text. The claim that AI was used without proper disclosure sparked backlash from both the gaming press and the broader community of writers who fear a slippery slope toward mass automation. From a legal standpoint, there is currently no definitive regulation governing the use of AI‑generated content in commercial video games.
However, employment contracts and intellectual‑property agreements often contain clauses about ownership of work product and the expectation of human authorship. If a writer is dismissed and replaced by an algorithm, questions arise about severance, credit, and potential breaches of contract. Saber Interactive's decision to add the disclaimer can be interpreted as an effort to mitigate reputational damage and to align with emerging industry best practices that call for transparency when AI is employed.
The Steam platform itself has begun to develop guidelines for developers to disclose AI usage, mirroring similar moves by major distribution services such as the Epic Games Store and console manufacturers. Beyond the immediate dispute, the episode serves as a case study for other developers navigating the balance between innovation and responsibility. Studios must weigh the efficiency gains offered by AI against the moral imperative to treat creative staff fairly and to acknowledge the origins of the content they release. Clear communication with the audience—especially in an era where players are increasingly attentive to the ethical dimensions of game production—can help maintain trust.
In summary, Saber Interactive has now placed an explicit AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator, following a public controversy involving former writer Stella Sacco's claims of being replaced by ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch has offered an apology, acknowledging his impulsive reaction to criticism and expressing a willingness to make amends. The situation underscores the broader industry debate over AI integration, writer displacement, and the need for transparent disclosure practices as technology continues to reshape how games are made.