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 debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a key writer on the project in favor of content generated by AI tools. In the original notice, Saber explains that the addition of the disclaimer follows public statements made by the company's chief executive officer, Matt Karch, concerning the departure of former writer Stella Sacco. Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT.
She also claimed that other, still‑undisclosed aspects of the game had been created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Karch responded to those allegations. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added that, in hindsight, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO also told the podcast This Week In Videogames that he had never actually spoken to or met Sacco, saying, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He further explained that the studio had already disclosed its intention to employ AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. Karch framed the use of AI in a lower‑priced title like Rideshare as a benefit for consumers, suggesting that the technology could help keep the final price affordable while still delivering a polished experience. The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the BlueSky platform over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote that she had been consistent from the outset about the truth of her claims and that, after a period of reflection, she now believed the facts had been borne out.
Sacco noted that Karch expressed a desire to "make it right" with her, but she was still uncertain about what that restitution would look like and said she would need time to consider the offer. In a separate public statement posted on LinkedIn, Karch offered a more personal explanation for his earlier outburst. 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." He framed the incident as a human error, acknowledging that he had acted impulsively and that he was working to correct the situation. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify," he wrote. The addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page is a concrete step that aims to bring transparency to the development process.
The notice reads in full: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who worked at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024, and stated she was removed from Rideshare midway through development and replaced with ChatGPT, while alleging other then‑unannounced use of AI in the game's development." By publishing this statement, Saber hopes to address community concerns, clarify the role that AI played in the project, and demonstrate a commitment to honesty in its communications. The broader industry context is worth noting.
Over the past few years, many game developers have begun experimenting with AI‑generated text, art, and even code to accelerate production pipelines and reduce costs. While some studios have been praised for openly sharing how they integrate AI tools, others have faced backlash when the technology is used without clear disclosure, especially when it appears to replace human talent. The debate often centers on questions of authorship, quality, and ethical responsibility. Critics argue that relying heavily on AI can diminish the creative voice of writers and artists, whereas proponents contend that AI can serve as a powerful assistant that frees creators to focus on higher‑level design decisions.
In Saber Interactive's case, the controversy touches on both the practical and moral dimensions of AI adoption. On the practical side, the company claims that AI helped streamline certain writing tasks, potentially allowing the team to allocate resources elsewhere. On the moral side, the allegation that a human writer was dismissed in favor of a machine raises concerns about job security and the value placed on human creativity within the studio. Matt Karch's public apology and his admission of an impulsive reaction suggest an attempt to rebuild trust with both the affected writer and the broader gaming community.
By acknowledging his mistake and promising to make amends, he is aligning with a growing expectation that industry leaders be accountable for their communication style and for the way they treat employees. As the situation continues to develop, gamers and observers will be watching how Saber Interactive implements the AI disclaimer and whether any further actions are taken to address the concerns raised by Sacco and others. The company has indicated that it will update the Steam page once the final feature set is confirmed, which may include more detailed information about which specific parts of Rideshare Simulator were generated or assisted by AI. In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam listing reflects an effort to be more transparent after a public dispute over the replacement of a human writer with a language model.
CEO Matt Karch has apologized for his earlier remarks, admitted to an emotional, knee‑jerk response, and expressed a willingness to rectify the situation. The incident underscores the ongoing conversation in the video‑game industry about the ethical use of artificial intelligence, the importance of clear communication with both employees and players, and the need for studios to balance technological innovation with respect for human talent.