Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The controversy centers on a former employee, Stella Sacco, who alleges that she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI tools. The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, concerning writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024.
Sacco claims she was taken off the Rideshare Simulator team during the middle of production and that her duties were replaced by output from ChatGPT, as well as other AI systems that have not yet been publicly announced." In a public interview, Karch responded to these allegations by saying that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." He then attempted to distance himself from the former writer, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during a conversation with the podcast This Week In Videogames. Karch also noted that the studio had already disclosed its intention to use AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized.
He framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, describing the upcoming title as a lower‑priced offering that would be enhanced, rather than diminished, by the technology. The situation escalated further when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, writing that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "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 later issued a separate statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own 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 situation." The episode raises broader questions about the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries, especially video game development where narrative, dialogue, and world‑building have traditionally been the domain of human writers. While AI can generate large volumes of text quickly and at low cost, critics argue that it lacks the nuance, cultural awareness, and emotional depth that a seasoned writer brings to a project.
Supporters, on the other hand, claim that AI can serve as a valuable tool for brainstorming, localization, and repetitive content generation, freeing human talent to focus on higher‑level design and storytelling. Saber Interactive’s decision to publicly label its AI usage may be an attempt to pre‑empt further backlash and to comply with emerging industry standards that call for transparency when machine‑generated content is employed. Some platforms, including Steam, have begun to require developers to disclose AI involvement, reflecting growing consumer concern over authenticity and the potential for misinformation.
The fallout also underscores the importance of clear communication between management and staff. Sacco’s claim that she was removed without adequate explanation, followed by Karch’s seemingly dismissive remarks, contributed to a perception of disrespect that amplified the controversy. By issuing an apology and acknowledging his impulsive reaction, Karch appears to be trying to repair the relationship, though the exact terms of any reconciliation remain undisclosed.
From a legal perspective, the case touches on employment law and intellectual property rights. If a writer’s contributions are replaced by AI, questions arise about credit, compensation, and the ownership of the resulting content. Companies must navigate these issues carefully to avoid potential lawsuits or reputational damage. In the meantime, players interested in Rideshare Simulator can now see the AI disclaimer on the Steam page, which outlines the specific areas where artificial intelligence was utilized.
The notice also promises updates as the development team finalizes the feature set, suggesting that the studio intends to continue integrating AI tools while maintaining a level of openness with its audience. Overall, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for other developers considering AI adoption.
Transparency, respectful treatment of staff, and clear policies on AI usage can help mitigate the kind of negative publicity Saber Interactive experienced. As the industry continues to experiment with generative technologies, striking the right balance between efficiency and creative integrity will be essential for maintaining trust among both creators and consumers.