Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal AI disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated debate erupted surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of artificial‑intelligence‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current approach to AI tools and to address the controversy that has drawn considerable attention from both the gaming press and the broader developer community.
The full wording of the 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 studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed uses of AI throughout the game's creation.
In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by an individual he described as ‘more talented’ and that her employment was terminated for a range of reasons a few months later. He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her role with AI." The controversy began when former lead writer Stella Sacco publicly claimed that she had been let go from the Rideshare Simulator team and that her writing duties were taken over by the language model ChatGPT.
Sacco’s allegations suggested that Saber Interactive had also employed AI in other, as‑yet‑undisclosed aspects of the game’s development, raising questions about transparency, labor practices, and the ethical use of generative AI in creative projects. Matt Karch, the company’s chief executive, responded in a series of interviews and social‑media posts. He asserted that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he admitted that, looking back, he might have been willing to replace her with AI technology. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch said, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her. 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 also 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." This comment reflects a growing industry narrative that AI can lower production costs, potentially allowing developers to offer games at more affordable price points while maintaining or even improving quality.
The dispute escalated when Sacco posted on the social‑media 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." In a separate LinkedIn post, Karch attempted to explain his reaction, saying, "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." His admission of an impulsive response underscores the high‑stakes nature of public discourse around AI and employment, especially when allegations of replacing human talent with machine‑generated content surface. The incident has sparked a broader conversation within the gaming industry about the role of AI in creative workflows. On one side, proponents argue that AI can assist writers, artists, and designers by handling repetitive tasks, generating placeholder content, or even offering fresh ideas that human creators can refine.
On the other side, critics warn that reliance on AI could marginalise skilled professionals, erode job security, and lead to a homogenisation of creative output if not managed responsibly. Many observers have pointed out that transparency is key. When a studio openly discloses which parts of a game are AI‑generated, players and industry peers can make informed judgments about the product’s authenticity and the ethical standards of its creators. Saber Interactive’s decision to add an explicit AI disclaimer to the Steam page may set a precedent for other developers facing similar scrutiny.
Legal experts note that while there are no universal regulations governing AI usage in video game development, existing labor laws and intellectual‑property statutes could become relevant if AI tools are used to replace human workers without proper notice or compensation. In the United States, for example, the National Labor Relations Board has begun examining cases where AI is employed in ways that affect employee rights, and similar discussions are underway in the European Union.
From a consumer perspective, the reaction has been mixed. Some gamers appreciate the honesty and view AI as a potential avenue for lower prices and faster updates.
Others feel uneasy about the possibility that the narrative, dialogue, or humor they experience in a game might be the product of a machine rather than a human writer’s nuanced craft. Saber Interactive’s next steps appear to involve finalising the AI‑related features they have hinted at and updating the Steam listing accordingly.
The company has not provided a timeline for when those changes will be reflected, but Karch’s public statements suggest a commitment to clarifying the extent of AI integration before the game’s launch. In summary, the Rideshare Simulator controversy highlights the delicate balance studios must strike between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and maintaining transparent, fair employment practices.
As AI continues to mature, the industry will likely see more guidelines, both internal and external, aimed at ensuring that human creativity remains at the core of game development while still reaping the efficiency benefits that AI can provide. The episode also serves as a reminder that public communication—especially on sensitive topics like workforce changes—requires careful consideration. Karch’s acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction and his subsequent apology to Sacco demonstrate an effort to mend relationships, but the incident will remain a case study for how studios navigate the evolving landscape of AI, labor, and public trust.