Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated copy. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game's storefront, is intended to clarify the studio’s current stance on AI tools and to address the allegations that were raised publicly.
The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the game's creation. In response, Mr. Karch has stated that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by an individual he deemed more skilled and that her employment was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI. "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames. "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." "We view our use of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a benefit for consumers." The statement also references a recent post on the social platform BlueSky in which Ms.
Sacco wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "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. "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 began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who served as the lead writer for Rideshare Simulator, publicly alleged that she was removed from the project and that her duties were handed over to an AI language model—specifically ChatGPT. Sacco’s claims suggested that the studio had not only replaced her with an algorithmic system but also employed other undisclosed AI tools throughout development, raising questions about transparency, authorship, and the ethical treatment of creative staff. In the weeks that followed, the gaming community and industry observers debated the broader implications of AI usage in game development.
Some argued that AI could accelerate content creation, reduce costs, and enable smaller studios to produce richer experiences. Others warned that over‑reliance on AI might marginalize human writers, diminish narrative quality, and create a slippery slope toward automated, homogenized storytelling. Matt Karch’s initial response was defensive.
He claimed that Sacco had been replaced by a more talented individual and that her termination stemmed from multiple performance‑related reasons. He also suggested that, looking back, he would have been comfortable using AI in place of a human writer, a remark that many interpreted as an admission that the studio was already experimenting with AI, even if not publicly disclosed at the time. The situation escalated when Karch appeared on the podcast This Week In Videogames. During the interview, he appeared unfamiliar with Sacco, stating, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." This comment was widely reported as an attempt to distance himself from the former employee, further inflaming public sentiment. In an effort to mitigate the fallout, Saber Interactive posted the AI disclaimer on Steam, acknowledging that AI tools are being used for certain aspects of the game. The notice emphasized that the title is positioned as a lower‑priced offering and framed the inclusion of AI as a consumer benefit, suggesting that the technology could enhance gameplay or streamline production without compromising quality.
Meanwhile, Sacco’s BlueSky post highlighted her willingness to accept Karch’s apology, though she admitted uncertainty about what concrete reparations might look like. Her statement underscored a broader industry conversation about accountability when AI replaces human labor, especially in creative roles. Karch’s LinkedIn apology added another layer to the narrative.
By admitting that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—he framed his earlier remarks as an emotional outburst rather than a calculated stance. He also emphasized his humanity, implying that mistakes are inevitable and that he is working to make amends.
The incident has sparked several key discussions within the gaming sector: 1. **Transparency in AI Deployment** – Developers are being urged to disclose when and how AI tools are used, especially when they affect creative credit or employment. 2.
**Ethical Treatment of Staff** – The case raises concerns about how studios handle personnel changes, particularly when AI is presented as a replacement for human expertise. 3. **Consumer Perception** – By labeling AI usage as a "plus for consumers," Saber Interactive is betting that players will view AI‑enhanced features as value‑adding rather than a cost‑cutting measure. 4.
**Future of Game Writing** – The debate touches on whether AI can genuinely replicate the nuance, emotional depth, and cultural awareness that human writers bring to interactive narratives. Industry analysts note that while AI can assist with tasks such as procedural content generation, localization, or basic dialogue scripting, the consensus remains that fully replacing a seasoned writer with a language model is premature. They argue that AI should be viewed as a tool to augment human creativity, not supplant it. For Saber Interactive, the episode serves as both a cautionary tale and a public relations learning experience.
The company’s decision to update its Steam page signals a willingness to be more forthcoming about AI usage, but it also reflects the pressure from the community to maintain honesty about development practices. Looking ahead, the studio may need to establish clearer internal policies regarding AI adoption, ensure that any transitions involving staff are handled with transparency, and possibly offer compensation or acknowledgment to those whose roles are impacted. Such steps could help rebuild trust with both employees and the player base. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam listing follows a contentious series of statements from CEO Matt Karch and former writer Stella Sacco.
The controversy has highlighted the delicate balance between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and respecting the contributions of human creators. Karch’s public apology and the studio’s updated disclosure aim to address the concerns raised, but the broader industry conversation about AI ethics, transparency, and the future of game writing continues to evolve.