Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a formal disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated public dispute in which the company was accused of dismissing a writer who had been working on the project and substituting her contributions with text generated by AI tools such as ChatGPT.
The full text of the new AI 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 claimed that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through its development cycle and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by an AI language model. She also alleged that additional, undisclosed AI‑generated content was incorporated throughout the game's production." In the wake of those allegations, Mr.
Karch responded publicly, saying that Ms. 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." He went on to say, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames. He further explained, "We have already stated that we are employing AI for certain aspects of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting, "We view our application of AI in this particular title— which will be offered at a lower price point— as a positive for players." The controversy escalated when Ms.
Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "I have been firm from the beginning that I was telling the truth; I think we can all now agree that it has 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 public statement on LinkedIn, where he admitted, "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 incident highlights several broader industry trends. First, the growing reliance on AI tools for content creation is prompting studios to be more transparent about how these technologies are used. While AI can accelerate writing, localization, and even asset generation, it also raises questions about authorship, intellectual property, and the treatment of human creators.
In this case, the alleged replacement of a human writer with a language model sparked a debate about fairness and the ethical limits of automation. Second, the situation underscores the importance of clear communication between leadership and staff.
Karch's admission that he reacted impulsively— "shot first and thought second"— suggests a breakdown in internal dialogue that allowed the dispute to become public. Companies are increasingly being held accountable not just for the final product, but for how they manage personnel and address grievances. Third, the public apology and the subsequent AI disclaimer may serve as a template for other developers facing similar scrutiny. By openly acknowledging the role of AI and offering a formal apology, Saber Interactive attempts to mitigate reputational damage and reassure both consumers and industry peers that it is taking responsibility.
From a consumer perspective, the disclaimer provides valuable insight into what players can expect from the game. AI‑generated dialogue or mission descriptions can sometimes feel generic or lack the nuance of human‑crafted writing.
By flagging this usage, Saber gives players the option to evaluate the experience with that context in mind. Finally, the episode raises legal considerations. In many jurisdictions, the use of AI‑generated content may need to be disclosed to avoid claims of false advertising or misrepresentation.
The new Steam notice may help the studio stay compliant with emerging regulations that require transparency around AI involvement in digital products. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI usage notice to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator follows a contentious exchange involving former writer Stella Sacco, accusations of AI substitution, and a public apology from CEO Matt Karch.
The incident reflects the wider challenges the gaming industry faces as it integrates artificial intelligence into creative workflows, balances ethical treatment of staff, and strives for openness with its audience. By addressing the controversy head‑on— through both an apology and a formal disclaimer— the company aims to restore trust and clarify its development practices for current and prospective players.