Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted over accusations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools. The new notice is intended to provide transparency for players and to address the concerns raised by the former employee and the broader gaming community.
The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications used during the creation of the game.
In response, Mr. Karch has stated that Ms. Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI."" The controversy began when Ms.
Sacco publicly claimed that her position as lead writer on Rideshare Simulator was terminated and that the studio opted to rely on AI-generated copy instead of her original work. She further suggested that the company had employed additional, as‑yet‑unannounced AI tools throughout the game's production pipeline, raising questions about the authenticity of the narrative and the ethical implications of replacing human creativity with machine‑generated text.
Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded to these allegations in a series of interviews and social‑media posts. In 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." He went on to acknowledge that the studio was indeed experimenting with AI for certain aspects of the game, but insisted that the technology would be used to enhance, not replace, human input. "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," Karch told the audience.
Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he explained, suggesting that AI could help reduce development costs and potentially lower the retail price for players. The situation took another turn when Sacco posted on the social‑networking platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating 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 also issued a separate statement on LinkedIn, where he admitted to reacting impulsively. "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 exchange highlights several broader issues that are currently reshaping the video‑game industry. First, the growing reliance on AI for content creation—ranging from dialogue and quest design to marketing copy—has sparked a debate about the role of human writers and the value of their creative labor.
While AI can generate large volumes of text quickly and at low cost, critics argue that it lacks the nuance, emotional depth, and cultural awareness that human writers bring to storytelling. Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication and transparency with both employees and the public.
When a studio announces the use of AI, stakeholders expect detailed disclosures about how the technology is integrated, what parts of the product are affected, and how it might impact existing staff. Failure to provide this information can erode trust and lead to accusations of unfair labor practices. Third, the episode reflects a growing awareness among creators about their rights and the need for accountability. Sacco's decision to speak out publicly, despite potential professional repercussions, illustrates a willingness among industry professionals to challenge corporate decisions that they perceive as unjust.
Her statements have resonated with other writers and developers who fear that AI could be used to sideline human talent. From a consumer perspective, the addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam page may influence purchasing decisions. Some players might appreciate the honesty and view the use of AI as a cost‑saving measure that could translate into a lower price point. Others may feel uneasy about playing a game whose narrative elements were partially generated by algorithms, fearing a loss of authenticity or immersion.
In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive has pledged to update the Steam listing once its AI feature set is finalized, indicating that the studio intends to maintain ongoing communication about its development practices. The company has also indicated that it will review its internal policies regarding AI usage and employee involvement, though specific details have not yet been released. Overall, the saga serves as a case study in how emerging technologies can create friction between corporate efficiency goals and the creative contributions of individual workers.
It also demonstrates how public apologies and transparent disclosures can be used to mitigate reputational damage, even as the underlying tensions around AI adoption continue to evolve within the gaming sector. As the industry moves forward, it will be essential for studios like Saber Interactive to strike a balance between leveraging AI for its undeniable benefits—speed, scalability, and cost reduction—and preserving the human element that gives games their soul. Ongoing dialogue with writers, developers, and players will be crucial in shaping policies that respect both innovation and the livelihoods of creative professionals.