Saber Interactive has now attached an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of using AI‑generated text. The notice, which appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current stance on AI usage and to address the controversy surrounding the departure of former staff member Stella Sacco. The full disclaimer reads as follows: “This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator development midway and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications within the game’s creation.” In a series of public statements, Karch attempted to counter Sacco’s accusations.
He claimed that 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 swapping her out for AI." He further told the podcast This Week In Videogames, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her. We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain components of the game and will update the Steam page once the feature set is finalised." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating, "We view our AI integration in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a plus for players." The dispute spilled onto social media when Sacco posted on BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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 later issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional response: "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 controversy touches on broader industry concerns about the role of artificial intelligence in creative workflows.
Over the past year, several game developers have experimented with AI tools for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to narrative drafting. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and open up new design possibilities. Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may undermine the value of human writers, artists, and designers, potentially leading to job displacement and a dilution of artistic quality.
In Saber’s case, the allegation that a human writer was replaced mid‑project by a language model raised questions about transparency and labor practices. While the company’s disclaimer does not explicitly confirm that ChatGPT was used to rewrite Sacco’s contributions, it acknowledges that AI was employed in "certain parts of the game" and promises further clarification once the development team finalises the feature list. Industry observers note that the timing of the disclaimer is significant.
Steam, as a major distribution platform, requires developers to disclose the use of AI when it materially affects the player experience or the content creation process. By adding the notice now, Saber appears to be aligning with Steam’s policy, which aims to give consumers clear information about the role of AI in the products they purchase.
The personal dimension of the dispute also adds a human element to the broader debate. Sacco’s statements on BlueSky convey a mixture of vindication and lingering uncertainty. She acknowledges Karch’s apology but admits she needs time to process what "making it right" might entail.
Meanwhile, Karch’s LinkedIn post reflects a candid admission of emotional impulsiveness, a rare moment of vulnerability from a studio head in the fast‑paced gaming industry. The incident may serve as a cautionary tale for other studios navigating the integration of AI tools. Transparency, clear communication with both staff and the public, and respectful handling of personnel changes are emerging as best practices.
As AI technology becomes more capable, the line between assistance and replacement will continue to blur, making it essential for companies to establish ethical guidelines and to honor the contributions of human creators. For players of Rideshare Simulator, the immediate impact is likely minimal. The game remains a simulation of ride‑hailing services, offering players a chance to manage a virtual fleet, navigate city traffic, and balance earnings against expenses.
The AI disclaimer does not suggest any functional changes to gameplay; rather, it informs potential buyers that some textual or design elements may have been generated or refined using AI. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will update the Steam page once the AI‑related feature set is fully defined. This suggests that the studio may be planning additional AI‑driven functionalities—perhaps in dynamic dialogue, procedural city generation, or adaptive mission design. If implemented thoughtfully, such features could enhance replayability and immersion, providing a fresh experience for players while also showcasing the practical benefits of AI in game development.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam listing follows a public dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco and CEO Matt Karch. The company acknowledges the use of AI in certain aspects of the game, promises further clarification, and has issued an apology for the manner in which the situation was handled. The episode underscores the ongoing conversation about AI’s role in creative industries, the importance of transparent communication, and the need to balance technological innovation with respect for human talent.