Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit AI usage disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy surrounding allegations that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game's storefront, seeks to clarify the studio’s current stance on artificial‑intelligence tools and to address concerns raised by the gaming community and the media. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments from Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch regarding former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 to July 2024.
Ms. Sacco has publicly claimed that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI‑assisted work on the title.
In response, Mr. Karch has indicated 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 replacing her with AI." The controversy began when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, asserting that she had been taken off the Rideshare team and that her writing duties were handed over to an AI system.
She also alleged that additional, still‑undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game's development, raising questions about transparency, authorship, and the ethical use of machine‑generated content in a commercial product. Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded publicly on several outlets, including the video‑game podcast "This Week In Videogames" and his personal LinkedIn profile. During the interview, Karch said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had no recollection of direct interaction with Sacco.
He went on to acknowledge that the studio was indeed using AI for specific aspects of the game, but framed this 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 remarked. In a subsequent BlueSky post, 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 statement on LinkedIn, where he admitted to an emotional reaction that preceded thoughtful consideration.
"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 episode highlights a broader industry debate about the role of AI in creative workflows.
While many developers tout the efficiency gains of language models for tasks such as dialogue generation, localization, and content polishing, critics argue that reliance on AI can undermine the contributions of human writers, erode job security, and create opacity around authorship. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the alleged replacement of a human writer with ChatGPT has sparked particular concern because the game’s narrative and instructional content are central to the player’s experience. From a legal perspective, the use of AI‑generated text raises questions about intellectual property ownership and liability. If a piece of in‑game dialogue is produced by an algorithm, it is unclear who holds the copyright—the studio, the AI provider, or potentially no one at all.
This ambiguity can affect everything from licensing agreements to consumer disclosures, which is why Saber Interactive’s decision to add a clear disclaimer may be seen as a proactive step toward compliance and transparency. The community’s reaction has been mixed. Some gamers and industry observers appreciate the studio’s willingness to be forthright about AI integration, noting that many titles already employ similar tools behind the scenes.
Others remain skeptical, viewing the disclaimer as a reactive measure prompted by negative press rather than a genuine commitment to ethical AI use. The situation also underscores the importance of clear communication between studios and their staff; Sacco’s claim that she was never spoken to by Karch suggests a breakdown in internal dialogue that may have exacerbated the public fallout. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to update the Steam page as its AI feature set solidifies, promising further details on which components of Rideshare Simulator are AI‑enhanced.
The studio’s leadership has expressed a desire to "make it right" with Sacco, though concrete steps—such as potential restitution, revised credit listings, or collaborative opportunities—have not yet been disclosed. In summary, the controversy surrounding Rideshare Simulator serves as a microcosm of the larger conversation about artificial intelligence in game development. Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer, the public apology from CEO Matt Karch, and the ongoing dialogue with former writer Stella Sacco illustrate both the challenges and the opportunities that arise when cutting‑edge technology intersects with creative labor.
As the industry continues to navigate these uncharted waters, transparency, respect for human contributors, and clear policies will likely become essential pillars for maintaining trust among developers, writers, and players alike.