Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of criticism surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The notice, which now sits prominently on the game's storefront, is intended to clarify the extent to which AI tools were employed during development and to address concerns from both the gaming community and industry observers. The full wording of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who worked at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024, and stated she was removed from Rideshare midway through development and replaced with ChatGPT, while alleging other then‑unannounced use of AI in the game's development." The background to this statement is a series of public statements made by former writer Stella Sacco. Sacco, who served as a narrative lead on Rideshare Simulator for roughly a year, claimed that midway through the project she was taken off the team and her responsibilities were handed over to the language model ChatGPT.
In addition to this specific allegation, she suggested that other, undisclosed AI‑driven processes had been woven into the game's creation, raising questions about the authenticity of the game's writing and the ethical treatment of staff. In response to Sacco’s accusations, Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, issued a rebuttal that mixed factual clarification with a hint of regret. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." This comment was interpreted by many as an admission that the company considered, or perhaps even executed, a substitution of human labor with artificial intelligence.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated on his position. He said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had never met the writer in person.
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, stating, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social network 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 later issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding dispute. He said, "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 episode highlights several broader issues that are currently reshaping the video‑game industry. First, the rapid advancement of large language models such as ChatGPT, Claude, and others has made it technically feasible for studios to generate dialogue, quest text, and even marketing copy without direct human authorship.
While these tools can accelerate production and reduce costs, they also raise ethical questions about authorship, quality control, and the treatment of creative professionals. When a studio opts to replace a writer with an AI system, the decision can be seen as a cost‑saving measure, but it also risks eroding trust among staff and fans who value authentic storytelling. Second, the incident underscores the importance of transparency.
Players increasingly expect studios to disclose how AI is used in their products, especially when it affects narrative content. By adding the disclaimer to the Steam page, Saber Interactive is attempting to pre‑empt further backlash and comply with emerging expectations for openness.
However, the timing of the notice—after the controversy had already erupted—has led some observers to view it as a reactive measure rather than a proactive policy. Third, the personal dimension of the dispute illustrates how quickly professional disagreements can become public.
Karch’s admission that he "shot first and thought second" reveals a moment of impulsive reaction that many executives might try to hide. His willingness to apologize publicly, albeit in a somewhat guarded manner, suggests an awareness that reputational damage can extend beyond the immediate issue of AI usage to the broader perception of the company's culture.
For industry analysts, the case serves as a cautionary tale. Companies that wish to integrate AI into their pipelines should develop clear guidelines, communicate those policies to both employees and consumers, and ensure that any transitions—such as replacing a human writer—are handled with respect and adequate notice. Moreover, when disputes arise, a swift, transparent, and empathetic response can mitigate long‑term fallout. Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how Saber Interactive will implement the AI features it has hinted at for Rideshare Simulator.
The game, positioned as a more affordable title in the studio's portfolio, may benefit from AI‑generated elements that streamline development, but the quality of those elements will be scrutinized by players who value immersive, well‑crafted narratives. If the studio can demonstrate that AI tools are used to augment rather than replace human creativity, it may turn this controversy into a showcase of responsible innovation. In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to accusations of replacing a human writer with AI by adding a formal disclaimer to its Steam page, clarifying its use of artificial‑intelligence tools, and issuing public apologies from its CEO.
The incident shines a light on the ethical, practical, and reputational challenges that arise when AI intersects with creative labor in the gaming world, and it offers a reminder that transparency and respectful communication are essential as the industry navigates this new terrain.