Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront 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 when former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was dismissed from the project and that her responsibilities were taken over by content generated with ChatGPT. The company’s leadership, particularly CEO Matt Karch, has now addressed the allegations publicly, offering both clarification and an apology.
The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments from Saber Interactive’s chief executive, Matt Karch, regarding former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her duties were subsequently filled by a language model, ChatGPT. She also claims that additional, undisclosed AI tools were employed throughout the creation of the game. In response, Mr.
Karch has stated that Ms. Sacco was replaced by a more skilled individual and that her contract was terminated a few months later for a variety of reasons. He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." During an interview with the web series This Week In Videogames, Karch elaborated on the situation, saying, "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 been transparent about employing AI for specific aspects of the game and that a more detailed update would be posted to the Steam page once the final feature list was locked down.
"We view the integration of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for our players," he added, framing the technology as a value‑adding element rather than a cost‑cutting measure. The controversy intensified over the weekend when Sacco took to the social platform BlueSky to share her perspective. She wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible way he spoke about me in the press." Sacco emphasized that she had stood firm from the beginning, insisting that her statements were truthful, and that subsequent evidence had validated her claims.
"Matt expressed a desire to make things right with me; at this point I’m not sure exactly what that looks like, and I’ll need some time to process it. However, I do accept his apology," she posted.
Karch later issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. "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 situation." The incident highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative workflows. As game studios experiment with language models to generate dialogue, narrative outlines, or even marketing copy, questions arise regarding authorship, fairness to human writers, and transparency to consumers. Critics argue that replacing a human writer with an AI system can undermine the nuanced storytelling that players expect, while proponents point to the efficiency gains and cost reductions that AI can provide, especially for lower‑budget projects.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as an affordable, accessible experience that simulates the day‑to‑day challenges of a rideshare driver. The developers have indicated that AI was used for certain repetitive tasks, such as generating in‑game signage, filler dialogue, and procedural city details.
However, the core narrative arcs and character development were originally intended to be crafted by human writers, a fact that makes Sacco’s claim of being replaced by ChatGPT particularly contentious. Industry analysts note that the public apology from a CEO is relatively rare in disputes involving AI usage. It suggests that Saber Interactive is keen to preserve its reputation and maintain trust with both its player base and the broader development community. By adding the disclaimer, the studio is attempting to be proactive, ensuring that future players are aware of the AI components before they purchase the game.
The situation also serves as a cautionary tale for other studios navigating the integration of AI tools. Transparency, clear communication, and respect for the contributions of human creators are essential to avoid backlash. When a writer feels marginalized or replaced without proper acknowledgment, the fallout can quickly become public and damage brand perception.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has promised to refine its internal policies regarding AI usage, though specific details have not yet been released. The company’s leadership has indicated that they will continue to monitor player feedback and industry best practices to strike a balance between technological innovation and creative integrity. For now, the AI disclaimer on the Steam page stands as both an informative notice for consumers and a symbolic gesture acknowledging the complexities of modern game development.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to append an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam listing follows a public dispute sparked by former writer Stella Sacco’s accusations that she was ousted in favor of AI‑generated content. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized, admitted to an impulsive reaction, and expressed a willingness to make amends. The episode underscores the growing pains of integrating artificial intelligence into creative industries and the importance of clear, honest communication with both staff and the gaming community.