Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store 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 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 text of the newly added disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator team midway through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI‑driven processes used during development." In his public statements, Karch attempted to clarify the situation. He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s comments suggested a degree of regret mixed with a pragmatic view of AI’s role in modern game creation. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further explained his lack of personal interaction with Sacco.
"Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI assistant Claude. He continued, "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, especially for a lower‑priced title like Rideshare Simulator.
"We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he asserted, implying that AI could help keep costs down while maintaining quality. The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social 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, where he admitted to an 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 highlights several broader trends in the video game industry. First, the increasing reliance on AI for content generation—ranging from dialogue and quest text to procedural world‑building—has sparked debates about authorship, fairness, and the treatment of human creatives. While AI can accelerate production and reduce costs, many developers worry about the ethical implications of replacing skilled writers with machine‑generated prose.
Second, the incident underscores the importance of transparent communication with both staff and the public. When allegations of AI substitution surface, players and journalists expect clear, timely disclosures. In this case, Saber Interactive’s decision to add a formal disclaimer after the controversy suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach, which can erode trust. Third, the personal dimension of the dispute—Karch’s admission of a knee‑jerk reaction—offers a reminder that corporate leaders are still subject to human frailties.
His acknowledgment that he "shot first and thought second" may resonate with some observers as an honest, if uncomfortable, confession, but it also raises questions about leadership accountability and crisis management. From a legal perspective, the situation could involve employment law considerations.
If a writer is terminated and replaced by AI without proper notice or severance, the company might face claims of wrongful dismissal. However, the specifics of Sacco’s contract, the timeline of her employment, and any performance‑related issues would heavily influence any potential litigation.
For gamers, the practical impact of AI integration in Rideshare Simulator remains to be seen. The developers promise that AI will be used for "certain parts" of the game, which could include generating in‑game advertisements, NPC chatter, or even dynamic mission briefings.
If executed well, these features might enhance immersion; if poorly handled, they could result in generic or repetitive dialogue that detracts from the experience. In summary, Saber Interactive’s recent actions—adding an AI disclaimer, issuing public apologies, and acknowledging missteps—reflect the growing pains of an industry wrestling with new technology.
The episode serves as a case study in how companies can navigate the delicate balance between innovation, ethical labor practices, and transparent communication. As AI continues to permeate game development pipelines, studios will need to establish clear policies, maintain open dialogue with their creative teams, and be prepared to address public concerns promptly and honestly. The story is still unfolding, and both Saber Interactive and former writer Stella Sacco have indicated that further discussions may occur to resolve lingering issues.
Until then, players and industry watchers will be monitoring how the AI disclaimer on the Steam page influences perception of the game and whether the company’s corrective steps are sufficient to restore confidence among its community.