Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store listing for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's creation. The move comes after a heated debate sparked by claims that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of AI‑generated text.
The full disclaimer reads as follows: The update follows a series of statements made by Saber Interactive’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, concerning former staff member Stella Sacco. Sacco was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024 and alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare development team midway through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT. She also suggested that additional, undisclosed AI tools were employed during the game's development.
In a public response, Karch asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." He further claimed, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames. Karch emphasized that the studio had already acknowledged the use of AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. He framed the AI integration as a benefit for consumers, describing the title as a lower‑priced offering where AI could be seen as a value‑adding component.
Over the weekend, Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky, noting 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 public statement on LinkedIn, in which 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.
It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The controversy highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative processes. While many developers tout AI as a tool that can speed up content creation, streamline localization, or generate placeholder assets, concerns remain about transparency, authorship, and the treatment of human talent. Critics argue that replacing a writer with a language model without proper acknowledgment or compensation undermines professional standards and can erode trust among both staff and the gaming community.
In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive has taken several concrete steps. First, the company added the AI disclaimer to the Steam store page, making it clear to potential buyers that parts of the game may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence. Second, the studio pledged to provide more detailed information about which specific features or assets were AI‑derived once the development cycle is complete.
Finally, the leadership promised to review internal policies regarding AI usage, aiming to create a framework that balances efficiency gains with ethical considerations and fair treatment of employees. The incident also raises questions about how studios communicate internal changes to the public.
Sacco's claim that she was removed and replaced by an AI model suggests a lack of clear communication within the company, which can lead to misunderstandings and reputational damage. By publicly acknowledging the mistake and offering an apology, Karch appears to be attempting to repair the relationship with Sacco and to signal to the broader community that the studio is willing to learn from its missteps. From a consumer perspective, the addition of an AI disclaimer may influence purchasing decisions.
Some players may view AI‑generated content as a cost‑saving measure that could affect the game's quality or originality, while others might appreciate the transparency and see AI as an innovative tool that can enhance gameplay experiences. The disclaimer thus serves both as a protective measure for the studio and as an informational cue for gamers. Looking ahead, the gaming industry is likely to see more explicit policies and guidelines around AI usage.
Organizations such as the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and various labor unions are already discussing standards for AI disclosure, attribution, and compensation. Saber Interactive's recent actions could be seen as an early example of how studios might adapt to these emerging expectations.
In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page follows a series of contentious statements from CEO Matt Karch regarding the dismissal of former writer Stella Sacco and the alleged substitution of her work with ChatGPT. Sacco accepted Karch's apology, while Karch admitted to reacting impulsively to criticism.
The episode underscores the growing debate over AI's place in game development, the importance of clear communication with both staff and the public, and the need for industry‑wide standards to ensure ethical and transparent use of artificial intelligence.