Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit AI usage disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its 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, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s stance on artificial‑intelligence tools and to address the controversy surrounding the departure of former writer Stella Sacco. The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 through July 2024.
Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications used during the game's creation. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by an individual he described as 'more talented' and that her employment was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated on the situation, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or even seen her in person." He continued, "We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain components of the game and will update the Steam page once the feature set is finalized. We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers." The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible 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 has 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 later issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his emotional reaction. "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 wrote.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The episode raises broader questions about the growing role of AI in game development, especially for smaller or lower‑budget projects.
While AI can accelerate content creation—generating dialogue, procedural assets, or even whole narrative arcs—it also introduces ethical dilemmas when it replaces human creators. Critics argue that using AI to supplant a writer undermines the value of original, human‑crafted storytelling and may set a precedent that could erode job security for creative professionals. Supporters within the industry, however, point out that AI tools are simply that—tools. When used responsibly, they can augment a developer’s workflow, allowing teams to iterate faster and allocate human talent to higher‑level design decisions.
In Saber Interactive’s case, the CEO framed the AI integration as a "plus for consumers," suggesting that the cost savings and efficiency gains would translate into a more affordable final product for players. The timeline of events is worth summarizing for clarity. Stella Sacco joined Saber Interactive in July 2023 and began work on Rideshare Simulator shortly thereafter. According to her account, she was removed from the project sometime in early 2024, with the studio allegedly turning to ChatGPT to fill the gap.
Sacco’s departure was followed by public statements from both parties, culminating in the AI disclaimer on Steam and Karch’s LinkedIn apology. The dispute has been covered by several gaming news outlets, sparking a broader discussion about transparency in AI usage.
From a legal perspective, there is currently limited precedent governing the replacement of human writers with AI in video games. Employment contracts typically contain confidentiality and non‑compete clauses, but they rarely address the specifics of AI substitution. As AI becomes more prevalent, it is likely that unions and professional guilds will push for clearer guidelines to protect writers and other creatives. In the meantime, Saber Interactive appears to be taking steps to mitigate the fallout.
By adding the disclaimer, the studio is providing players with upfront information about the role AI played in the game's development. This move may help rebuild trust among the community, especially among those who felt misled by the earlier lack of disclosure. The incident also serves as a cautionary tale for other developers.
Transparent communication about AI usage, clear attribution of content, and respectful treatment of staff members are essential to maintaining a healthy workplace culture and a loyal fan base. As the industry continues to experiment with AI, the balance between efficiency and ethical responsibility will remain a central conversation.
In conclusion, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects both an attempt to address a specific controversy involving former writer Stella Sacco and a broader acknowledgment of AI’s growing presence in game creation. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology and admission of an impulsive reaction illustrate the human element behind corporate decision‑making, while the ongoing dialogue highlights the need for clearer standards as AI tools become an integral part of the development pipeline.