Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit AI usage disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a key writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s page, acknowledges the role that artificial intelligence tools have played in the project’s development and promises further updates once the feature set is finalized.
The background to this development stems from a series of statements made by Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, regarding the departure of former writer Stella Sacco. Sacco was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024, during which time she contributed to the narrative and dialogue for Rideshare Simulator. In a public interview, Sacco alleged that midway through production she was removed from the project and her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT, an AI language model.
She also suggested that other, still‑undisclosed aspects of the game’s creation had relied on artificial intelligence. Karch’s initial response to those accusations was defensive. He claimed that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, in hindsight, that he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." The tone of his remarks sparked further debate, as many observers felt the comments downplayed the contribution of a human writer and raised ethical questions about transparency in game development.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared to double‑down on the studio’s AI strategy. "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing Claude, another AI model. He explained that Saber had already disclosed the use of AI for certain components of the game and that a more detailed statement would be added to the Steam page once the developers settled on the final feature list. "We view our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a benefit for consumers," Karch asserted, framing the technology as a cost‑saving measure that could potentially lower the retail price for players. The controversy did not end there.
Over the weekend, Sacco posted a message on the social network BlueSky, 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, attempting to explain his earlier outburst.
"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 addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page marks a tangible shift in Saber Interactive’s public communications. The notice reads in full: "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 response, Karch stated that Sacco was 'replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later,' and added that 'in retrospect [he] would have been happy to replace her with AI.'" Industry analysts see this episode as part of a broader conversation about the role of AI in creative industries. While AI can accelerate content generation, critics argue that replacing human writers without clear disclosure undermines artistic integrity and may violate labor agreements.
Moreover, the situation highlights the importance of transparent communication when companies experiment with emerging technologies. From a consumer perspective, the promise of a lower‑priced title powered partially by AI could be appealing, but it also raises questions about the quality and authenticity of the game’s narrative experience.
Players who value handcrafted storytelling may feel uneasy about a product that leans heavily on algorithmic text generation. In the weeks ahead, Saber Interactive is expected to flesh out the details of its AI usage, possibly outlining which specific systems—such as procedural dialogue, quest generation, or in‑game signage—are being assisted by models like ChatGPT or Claude.
The studio may also need to address any contractual obligations to former employees, ensuring that proper credit and compensation are provided where appropriate. Ultimately, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for developers navigating the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence.
Clear policies, open dialogue with staff, and honest disclosures to the public can help mitigate backlash and preserve trust. As the industry continues to experiment with AI, the balance between efficiency and artistic authenticity will remain a central debate, and Saber Interactive’s handling of this controversy will likely be referenced in future discussions about best practices for AI integration in game development.