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 dispute that erupted when former staff member Stella Sacco claimed she was dismissed from the project and that her responsibilities were taken over by a language model, specifically ChatGPT.
The controversy sparked a broader conversation about the role of AI in video game creation, prompting the company’s leadership to address the allegations publicly and to provide transparency for potential buyers. The full text of the newly added AI disclaimer reads as follows: "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 inserting this notice, Saber hopes to clarify which aspects of the game were assisted by AI tools and to assure the community that any such usage complies with industry standards and consumer expectations. Stella Sacco’s original statements painted a stark picture. She said that after roughly a year of employment, she was taken off the Rideshare project and her duties were handed over to an AI system.
According to Sacco, the decision was not merely a staffing change but part of a broader, undisclosed strategy to integrate machine‑generated content throughout the title. Her claims suggested that the company had been leveraging AI for narrative elements, dialogue, and possibly even design documentation without informing the public or the broader development team.
Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded with a series of remarks that both defended the company’s practices and acknowledged a misstep in his own communication style. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added a candid, if controversial, reflection: "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." This admission sparked further debate, as many observers interpreted it as an indication that the company might be willing to prioritize efficiency over human creativity.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch elaborated on his lack of personal interaction with Sacco, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain 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 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 said, suggesting that AI could help keep costs down while maintaining or even enhancing quality.
The exchange took another turn when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, 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." Her statement highlighted a lingering uncertainty about what concrete steps might follow the apology, while also acknowledging that Karch’s remorse was at least verbal. Karch also took to LinkedIn to issue a public comment that further illuminated his mindset during the controversy. He confessed, "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," adding, "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." This candid admission of an impulsive reaction was intended to humanize his response, but it also underscored the volatile nature of public discourse surrounding AI in creative industries. The broader industry context cannot be ignored. Over the past few years, game developers have increasingly experimented with AI for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to scriptwriting assistance.
While these tools can accelerate production cycles and reduce costs, they also raise ethical questions about authorship, labor displacement, and the authenticity of narrative experiences. Critics argue that relying heavily on AI could erode the unique human touch that defines compelling storytelling, whereas proponents claim that AI can serve as a powerful collaborator, augmenting rather than replacing human talent. In Saber Interactive’s case, the controversy has prompted a re‑evaluation of internal policies. The company’s decision to publicly label AI‑generated sections on the Steam page signals a shift toward greater transparency, a move that may become a standard practice as regulators and consumer advocacy groups push for clearer labeling of AI content.
Moreover, the episode has sparked discussions among developers about the importance of clear communication with both staff and the gaming community when AI tools are employed. From a consumer perspective, the added disclaimer provides valuable information for players who might be concerned about the authenticity of the game’s narrative and design. For those who value handcrafted storytelling, the notice serves as a warning that some portions of the experience may have been generated or assisted by algorithms.
Conversely, price‑sensitive gamers may view the AI integration as a positive development that helps keep the game affordable without sacrificing polish. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI usage policies and will update the Steam page as the development of Rideshare Simulator progresses. The company’s leadership appears committed to balancing innovation with accountability, a stance that could influence how other studios approach AI adoption.
In summary, the addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam listing reflects a response to a public dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco, who alleged that she was replaced by an AI system. CEO Matt Karch has apologized for his earlier remarks, acknowledged his impulsive reaction, and promised greater transparency moving forward.
The incident highlights the growing pains of integrating artificial intelligence into creative workflows and underscores the need for clear communication, ethical considerations, and consumer awareness as the gaming industry continues to explore the possibilities of AI‑driven development.