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 heated debate erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s Steam page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current approach to AI tools and to address concerns raised by the gaming community and industry observers. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco has alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications used during the creation of the game. In response, Mr.
Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by another individual he described as ‘more talented’ and that her employment was terminated a few months later for a range of reasons.
He also acknowledged that, in hindsight, he would have considered employing AI to handle certain writing tasks." The controversy began when Ms. Sacco, a writer who contributed to the early phases of Rideshare Simulator, publicly claimed that she was abruptly taken off the project and that the studio opted to substitute her work with output generated by ChatGPT. She further suggested that additional, still‑undisclosed AI technologies had been woven into various aspects of the game’s development, raising ethical questions about transparency, authorship, and the treatment of creative staff.
Matt Karch, the company’s chief executive, responded in a series of interviews and social‑media posts. He asserted that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." In an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch said, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had no personal recollection of the writer. He further explained, "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 help keep production costs down, potentially allowing the studio to offer the game at a more affordable price point while still delivering a polished experience.
The dialogue took another turn when Sacco posted on the social‑networking 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 emotional reaction to the unfolding controversy. "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 incident highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of artificial intelligence in game development. As AI language models become increasingly capable of generating narrative text, dialogue, and even design documentation, studios are grappling with how to balance efficiency gains against the potential displacement of human creators.
Critics argue that transparency is essential; players and industry professionals alike want to know when a piece of writing is the product of a machine versus a human mind. Supporters of AI integration point out that these tools can serve as assistants rather than replacements, helping writers brainstorm ideas, generate placeholder content, or polish prose. In the case of a lower‑budget title like Rideshare Simulator, the argument is that AI can help stretch limited resources, enabling a smaller team to produce a larger volume of content without sacrificing quality. Nevertheless, the ethical dimension cannot be ignored.
Sacco’s allegations raise questions about contractual obligations, credit attribution, and the moral responsibility of studios to their employees. If a writer is dismissed and their work is supplanted by AI, should the studio disclose that shift to the public?
Should there be safeguards to ensure that AI‑generated content meets the same standards of originality and inclusivity as human‑crafted text? In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive has pledged to be more forthcoming about its AI practices.
The newly added Steam disclaimer is part of a broader effort to keep the community informed. The studio also indicated that it will provide updates once the final feature set of Rideshare Simulator is locked down, which may include more specifics about which components—such as in‑game signage, tutorial prompts, or background lore—are being assisted by AI. For now, the situation remains a learning moment for the industry.
It underscores the importance of clear communication, respectful treatment of staff, and thoughtful implementation of emerging technologies. As AI continues to evolve, game developers will need to establish best‑practice guidelines that protect creative talent while leveraging the efficiencies that machine learning offers. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects both a reaction to public scrutiny and a proactive step toward greater transparency.
CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco acknowledges missteps in communication and personal conduct, while also opening the door for potential reconciliation. The episode serves as a case study in how the gaming sector can navigate the delicate balance between innovation and ethical responsibility, ensuring that both creators and consumers benefit from the responsible use of artificial intelligence.