Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. This move comes after a heated dispute erupted when former staff member Stella Sacco alleged that the company had removed her from the project midway and substituted her contributions with text generated by ChatGPT, as well as hinted at other undisclosed AI applications throughout the production process.
The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Saco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco claims she was taken off the Rideshare Simulator team during development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by an AI language model. She also suggests that additional, previously unannounced AI tools were employed in creating the game." In a public statement, Karch responded to these accusations by saying that Sacco was "replaced by a more skilled individual and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, "in hindsight, I would have been comfortable replacing her work with AI if the situation called for it." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further clarified his position, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her in person." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed the use of AI for specific aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down.
"We view our AI integration in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for players," he said. The controversy took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, noting that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "From the beginning I have stood firm that my account was truthful; the facts have now been corroborated. Matt expressed a desire to make things right with me. At this moment I am not sure what that looks like, and I need some time to process it, but I do accept his apology." Karch also issued a separate public comment 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 situation." The incident highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative work, especially in narrative-driven games where writers traditionally craft dialogue, character arcs, and world‑building details. While AI tools can accelerate certain tasks—such as generating placeholder text, localising strings, or brainstorming ideas—many creators argue that replacing a human writer entirely raises ethical concerns and can diminish the artistic integrity of a project. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as an affordable, accessible title aimed at a wide audience.
Saber Interactive has framed its AI usage as a value‑add for consumers, suggesting that the technology helps keep costs low while still delivering a polished experience. Critics, however, point out that the lack of transparency about when and how AI was employed can erode trust between developers and their community.
Industry analysts note that this is not the first time a studio has faced backlash over AI adoption. Similar disputes have arisen in film, music, and other gaming projects where AI‑generated scripts or music were used without clear attribution. The common thread in these debates is the question of credit: should AI be listed as a co‑author, or should the human creators retain sole acknowledgment?
Legal frameworks are still catching up, and companies are navigating a gray area that balances efficiency with respect for creative labor. For Saber Interactive, the immediate priority appears to be damage control. By adding the disclaimer, the studio is attempting to provide a transparent record of its AI practices, thereby addressing community concerns and complying with platform policies that increasingly require disclosure of AI‑generated content. The apology from Karch, though arguably late, signals an awareness that public perception matters and that the handling of staff disputes can have lasting repercussions on a company's reputation.
Looking ahead, the situation may serve as a case study for other developers wrestling with similar decisions. It underscores the importance of establishing clear internal policies on AI usage, documenting when AI tools are employed, and communicating openly with both employees and the player base.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the industry will likely see more formal guidelines and perhaps even regulatory requirements that dictate how and when AI can be used in game development. In summary, Saber Interactive's addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects a response to allegations made by former writer Stella Sacco regarding her removal from the project and the substitution of her work with AI‑generated copy.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks and admitted to reacting impulsively to criticism. The episode shines a light on the ongoing debate over AI's place in creative industries, the need for transparency, and the potential impact on both creators and consumers as the technology becomes more prevalent.