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. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools. The full disclaimer now displayed on the storefront reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications throughout the game's creation." In the wake of these allegations, Karch issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation. He claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "In hindsight, I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or even seen her in person.
We have already disclosed that we are employing AI for certain components of the game, and we will update the Steam page once the feature set is finalized." He continued, "We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be positioned as a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for consumers." The controversy escalated when Sacco took to the social networking platform BlueSky over the weekend to share her perspective. In her post, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "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 made a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. He wrote, "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 episode highlights several broader issues that are currently reshaping the video game industry. First, the increasing reliance on AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models to generate narrative content, dialogue, and even design documentation is prompting studios to reconsider how they credit creative contributors. While AI can accelerate production and reduce costs, it also raises ethical questions about authorship, compensation, and transparency.
Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication between management and staff. When a senior executive publicly disputes a former employee's claims, it can damage trust not only within the company but also among the player community, who often value authenticity and respect for creators. The rapid spread of the story across gaming news sites, podcasts, and social media platforms demonstrates how quickly reputational issues can snowball in the digital age.
Third, the situation brings to light the legal landscape surrounding AI‑generated content. As of 2024, many jurisdictions have yet to define who owns the rights to text produced by an algorithm, especially when it is used as a substitute for human labor. Companies like Saber Interactive may need to develop internal policies that outline when AI can be employed, how it should be disclosed to consumers, and how to handle potential disputes with employees who feel displaced. From a consumer standpoint, the disclaimer on the Steam page serves a dual purpose.
It informs potential buyers that parts of the game's narrative or documentation may have been created with AI assistance, and it positions the studio as being proactive about transparency. For a lower‑priced title such as Rideshare Simulator, this could be framed as a cost‑saving measure that ultimately benefits players through a more affordable product. However, some gamers may view AI usage skeptically, fearing a loss of the human touch that often makes in‑game storytelling compelling. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive will likely need to monitor community feedback closely.
If the AI disclaimer is well‑received, the studio might double down on AI integration across future projects, potentially establishing a hybrid workflow where human writers collaborate with AI to refine ideas, generate drafts, and handle repetitive tasks. Conversely, if backlash grows, the company may be forced to re‑evaluate its reliance on AI and perhaps reinvest in human talent to restore confidence.
In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to add an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator's Steam listing reflects both a response to a specific controversy involving former writer Stella Sacco and a broader industry trend toward greater transparency about AI usage. CEO Matt Karch's public apology and admission that he acted impulsively after being "triggered" illustrate the human side of corporate communication in a fast‑moving digital environment. As AI continues to permeate game development, studios will need to balance efficiency gains with ethical considerations, clear disclosure, and respect for the creative professionals who shape the stories that players love.