Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit AI usage disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had replaced a human writer with artificial‑intelligence‑generated text. The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT. Sacco also suggested that other, still‑undisclosed aspects of the game’s creation had involved AI tools, prompting a wave of criticism from both the gaming press and the broader community of developers who are closely watching the ethical implications of AI in creative work.
In an effort to address the growing concerns, Saber posted a full disclosure on the game’s Steam page. The notice reads, in part, that the company had indeed employed AI for certain components of the title, and that it would update the listing once the final feature set was locked down. The statement attempts to frame the use of AI as a benefit to consumers, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced offering in Saber’s portfolio. By positioning AI as a cost‑saving and quality‑enhancing measure, the company hopes to mitigate the backlash and reassure potential buyers that the technology is being used responsibly.
CEO Matt Karch responded publicly to the allegations, offering a mixed message that both defended the company’s decisions and hinted at regret over how the situation was handled. Karch claimed 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." This admission sparked further debate, as it seemed to suggest that the decision to bring in AI was not merely a pragmatic choice but also a personal preference for efficiency over human collaboration. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch made a striking remark: "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." The reference to Claude, an AI language model, underscored the extent to which Karch was relying on artificial intelligence even in his own communication. He went on to say that the company had already disclosed its AI usage and would update the Steam page once the final feature list was confirmed.
"We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he reiterated, positioning the technology as a consumer‑friendly advantage. The tension between the two parties escalated on social media. On the micro‑blogging platform BlueSky, Sacco posted 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." Her statement reflects both a lingering hurt and a cautious openness to reconciliation, acknowledging that while the apology was welcomed, the path forward remained unclear. Karch also took to LinkedIn to issue a more personal reflection on his behavior. 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," describing his reaction as a human error. He concluded, "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify," suggesting that he had taken steps to make amends, though he did not detail what those steps entailed. The episode highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in game development.
While AI can accelerate content creation, generate dialogue, and even assist with level design, many creators worry about the displacement of skilled writers, artists, and programmers. The ethical question revolves around transparency: should developers disclose AI involvement to players, and if so, how prominently? Saber’s decision to add a disclaimer to the Steam page signals a growing recognition that audiences expect honesty about the tools used to craft their experiences. From a legal perspective, the situation also raises potential issues around employment contracts and intellectual property.
If a writer is removed and their work is supplanted by AI, questions arise about ownership of the original content, severance obligations, and whether the company complied with any contractual clauses regarding the use of third‑party tools. While no lawsuits have been reported in this case, the scenario could set a precedent for future disputes as AI becomes more entrenched in creative pipelines.
For consumers, the practical impact of AI on a game like Rideshare Simulator may be subtle. AI‑generated text can produce coherent dialogue quickly, but it may lack the nuanced humor, cultural references, and emotional depth that a seasoned writer brings. Players who value narrative richness might notice a difference, while those more focused on gameplay mechanics could remain indifferent.
Saber’s positioning of AI as a "plus for consumers" suggests confidence that the technology will not degrade the overall experience, but the debate remains open. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator represents an attempt to address public concerns after former writer Stella Sacco accused the company of replacing her with ChatGPT and hinted at broader AI usage. CEO Matt Karch publicly apologized, acknowledging that his initial reaction to criticism was impulsive and that he had acted before fully considering his response.
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between efficiency gains offered by AI and the ethical responsibilities companies have toward their creative staff and their audiences. As the industry continues to grapple with these issues, transparency and thoughtful communication will likely become essential components of any successful AI integration strategy.