Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s stance on AI usage and to address the controversy surrounding the departure of former writer Stella Sacco. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "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." In the wake of these allegations, Karch publicly responded, asserting that Sacco had "been replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added a candid reflection: "In retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." This admission sparked further debate about the ethics of substituting human creativity with algorithmic output, especially in a narrative‑driven simulation game. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch elaborated on his limited personal interaction with Sacco.
"Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI model Claude as a tongue‑in‑cheek way of highlighting his reliance on AI tools.
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." He suggested that AI could streamline production, reduce costs, and potentially allow the studio to deliver more content at a lower price point, though critics argue that such cost‑cutting measures may come at the expense of artistic integrity and fair labor practices. The controversy intensified 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 statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional response to the unfolding drama. "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 episode raises several broader questions about the role of AI in game development. First, there is the matter of transparency: players and industry observers increasingly demand clear disclosure when AI tools are used to generate dialogue, story beats, or marketing copy.
By adding the disclaimer, Saber Interactive appears to be attempting to meet that demand, yet the timing—after public pressure—suggests the move may be more reactive than proactive. Second, the situation touches on labor ethics. Replacing a human writer with a language model can be seen as a cost‑saving measure, but it also signals a shift in how creative labor is valued.
While AI can assist writers by suggesting alternatives or handling repetitive tasks, the wholesale substitution of a staff member raises concerns about job security and the devaluation of professional writing expertise. Third, there is the question of quality.
AI‑generated text can produce grammatically correct sentences, but it often lacks the nuance, emotional resonance, and contextual awareness that a seasoned writer brings to a narrative. For a simulation game like Rideshare, which aims to immerse players in realistic scenarios and character interactions, the depth of writing can be a critical factor in player satisfaction. Industry analysts note that many studios are experimenting with AI to accelerate certain aspects of development, such as procedural content generation, localization, and testing. However, the consensus is that AI should complement—not replace—human creators.
In this light, Karch's comment that he would have been "happy to replace her with AI" is viewed by some as a warning sign of a potential overreliance on technology. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI usage policies and provide updates as the feature set of Rideshare Simulator solidifies. The company’s public relations team has promised further clarification on which specific components of the game are AI‑enhanced, ranging from in‑game dialogue to marketing assets. For Stella Sacco, the path forward remains uncertain.
While she has accepted Karch's apology, she has not detailed any concrete steps toward restitution or reinstatement. Her statement suggests a willingness to move past the dispute, but also a need for time to process the experience and decide what resolution would feel just. In summary, the addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam page reflects Saber Interactive's attempt to address community concerns about transparency and ethical practice.
The episode underscores the delicate balance studios must strike between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and honoring the contributions of human talent. As AI continues to evolve, the gaming industry will likely see more dialogue—both internal and public—about where the line should be drawn between automation and artistry.