Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a clear AI usage disclaimer to the Steam page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game's store listing, is intended to address concerns from the community and to provide transparency about the role artificial intelligence played during development.
The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements from Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI tools used in the creation of the game.
In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by an individual he deemed more skilled, and that she was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." The controversy began when former lead writer Stella Sacco publicly claimed that she had been let go from the Rideshare Simulator team and that her writing duties were handed over to the language model ChatGPT.
Sacco also suggested that additional, as‑yet‑unannounced AI technologies had been employed throughout the game's development process. Her statements quickly spread across gaming forums, social media, and industry news sites, prompting a heated debate about the ethics of using AI to replace human creators and the transparency of such practices.
CEO Matt Karch responded 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 explain that Saber Interactive had already disclosed its intention to use AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized.
"We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers," Karch added, emphasizing that the technology could help keep costs down and potentially improve the player experience. 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 public statement on LinkedIn, where 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." This candid admission of a reactive, emotionally driven response resonated with many observers who noted that even high‑level executives can act impulsively under pressure. The addition of the AI disclaimer is significant for several reasons.
First, it signals a growing recognition within the gaming industry that the use of AI tools—whether for writing, asset generation, or testing—must be communicated openly to players and stakeholders. Transparency helps maintain trust, especially when fans are increasingly vigilant about the authenticity of creative work. Second, the disclaimer sets a precedent for how studios might handle similar controversies in the future, offering a template for acknowledging past oversights while outlining steps to improve communication. Beyond the immediate fallout, the episode raises broader questions about the evolving relationship between human creators and AI.
While AI can accelerate production timelines, reduce costs, and assist with repetitive tasks, it also poses ethical dilemmas when it replaces skilled professionals. Critics argue that relying on AI to write narrative content can dilute the emotional depth and nuance that human writers bring to a game’s story. Supporters counter that AI can serve as a collaborative tool, augmenting a writer's workflow rather than supplanting it.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game's positioning as a lower‑priced title may have influenced Saber Interactive's decision to explore AI integration. By leveraging AI for certain dialogue lines, procedural events, or background text, the studio likely aimed to keep development expenses manageable while still delivering a polished product. However, the lack of early disclosure sparked backlash, highlighting the importance of setting clear expectations with the community from the outset.
Moving forward, Saber Interactive has pledged to refine its internal policies regarding AI usage. The company plans to establish a more robust review process that includes input from legal, ethical, and creative teams before any AI‑generated content is released publicly. Additionally, they intend to provide regular updates to the Steam page and other communication channels, ensuring that players are kept informed about any new AI features or changes to existing ones.
For Stella Sacco, the experience has been both challenging and affirming. In her BlueSky post, she emphasized that she remains committed to the truth of her experience and hopes that the industry will learn from her case. "I accept his apology," she wrote, acknowledging the CEO's attempt at reconciliation while also indicating that she needs time to consider what a satisfactory resolution looks like for her personally.
The broader gaming community continues to watch the situation closely. Many developers, publishers, and players are using this incident as a case study in how to balance innovation with responsibility. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, the industry will likely see an increase in similar debates, making clear guidelines and transparent communication essential.
In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects a reactive but necessary step toward greater openness about the role of artificial intelligence in game development. CEO Matt Karch's public apology to former writer Stella Sacco underscores the human element behind corporate decisions and the importance of addressing concerns promptly and sincerely. The episode serves as a reminder that while AI can offer powerful advantages, its integration must be managed with care, respect for creative talent, and a commitment to keeping players fully informed.