Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its upcoming 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 key writer in favor of AI‑generated content. The new notice reads as a formal acknowledgment of the controversy and outlines the company’s stance on AI integration.
The background to the dispute centers on former Saber employee Stella Sacco, who joined the company in July 2023 as the lead writer for Rideshare Simulator. According to Sacco, she was removed from the project midway through production and her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT, the well‑known language model developed by OpenAI. In addition to the claim about her replacement, Sacco alleged that the studio had employed other, as yet undisclosed, AI tools throughout the development cycle, raising questions about the authenticity of the game's narrative and design documents. When confronted with these allegations, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, offered a response that both defended the studio’s decisions and hinted at a willingness to adopt AI in the future.
Karch said 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." This statement was made during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where Karch also confessed that he had never actually met Sacco. "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he joked, referring to the AI assistant Claude. He went on to say that the company was already planning to use AI for certain aspects of the game and that a revised Steam description would be posted once the feature set was finalized. 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 asserted, suggesting that AI could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience. The controversy took another turn when Sacco posted on the social 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 public statement on LinkedIn, where he reflected on his own behavior. "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 admitted. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The addition of the AI disclaimer on Steam is a direct response to the growing scrutiny the gaming industry faces regarding the ethical use of generative AI.
Many developers have begun to disclose when AI tools are employed in narrative creation, asset generation, or code assistance, recognizing that players and stakeholders increasingly demand transparency. By placing the disclaimer prominently on the store page, Saber aims to pre‑empt further criticism and to assure potential buyers that they are being informed about the development process. Industry observers note that the situation highlights several broader trends.
First, the rapid adoption of AI tools is reshaping traditional roles within game studios. Writers, artists, and programmers are all encountering AI‑assisted workflows, which can speed up production but also raise concerns about job security and creative authenticity. Second, the public backlash against perceived AI misuse underscores the importance of clear communication. When studios fail to disclose AI involvement, they risk damaging their reputation and alienating their audience.
For Saber Interactive, the episode serves as a cautionary tale. The company now faces the challenge of balancing efficiency gains from AI with the need to maintain trust among its employees and its community.
The CEO’s apology, while a step toward reconciliation, may not fully address the underlying issues of workplace culture and the treatment of talent. Sacco’s acceptance of the apology suggests a willingness to move forward, but she also indicated that she needs time to consider what a satisfactory resolution looks like for her. Looking ahead, the updated Steam page will likely include language such as: "Portions of Rideshare Simulator were generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
This includes certain narrative elements and in‑game text. We remain committed to transparency and will continue to update this notice as our development process evolves." Such a statement would align Saber with emerging industry standards and could help mitigate future disputes. In conclusion, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer reflects both a reaction to a specific controversy involving former writer Stella Sacco and a broader shift toward openness about AI usage in game development. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology and acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction demonstrate an attempt to repair relationships, but the incident also serves as a reminder that studios must navigate the ethical and practical implications of AI with care, ensuring that all contributors are respected and that consumers are kept fully informed about how their games are crafted.