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 public dispute in which the company was accused of dismissing a key writer in favor of AI‑generated copy. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: The addition follows a series of statements made by Saber’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 claims she was removed from the Rideshare project part‑way through its production cycle, allegedly being replaced by ChatGPT. She also alleged that other, still‑undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the creation of the game. In his public response, Karch asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and went on to say that, looking back, "I would have been happy to replace her with AI." He further added, "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. The CEO explained that the studio had already announced that certain aspects of the game would be powered by AI and promised to update the Steam listing once the feature set was finalized.
Karch framed the use of AI in Rideshare Simulator as a benefit for players, describing the title as a "lower‑priced" offering where AI integration would provide added value to consumers. He suggested that leveraging AI could help keep costs down while still delivering a compelling experience. Over the weekend, Sacco took to the social network BlueSky to share 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 posted a separate statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction.
He said, "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 projects. As game development tools become more sophisticated, studios are increasingly experimenting with machine‑learning models for tasks ranging from procedural level design to narrative generation.
Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production timelines, reduce costs, and enable smaller teams to achieve results that previously required larger staff. Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may undermine the contributions of human writers, artists, and designers, potentially leading to job displacement and a dilution of creative authenticity. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the core dispute centers on whether a human writer was unfairly removed and replaced by an algorithmic system.
Sacco’s claim that she was dismissed mid‑project and substituted with ChatGPT suggests a possible breach of professional ethics, especially if the decision was driven primarily by cost‑saving motives rather than a genuine creative need. The fact that she remained employed by Saber for a full year after her alleged removal raises further questions about the internal dynamics of the studio and the transparency of its staffing decisions. From a legal standpoint, the situation could intersect with employment law, particularly regarding wrongful termination and the disclosure of AI usage in products. Some jurisdictions are beginning to consider regulations that would require companies to disclose when AI has been used to generate content that is presented to consumers as human‑crafted.
While no formal legal action has been reported in this instance, the public statements from both parties may influence future policy discussions. The addition of the AI disclaimer on Steam is a tactical move by Saber Interactive to address community concerns and to align with emerging best practices. Steam, as a major distribution platform, has recently updated its policies to encourage developers to be transparent about AI involvement, especially when it affects narrative or artistic elements. By explicitly stating the presence of AI, Saber hopes to mitigate backlash and demonstrate a commitment to openness.
Beyond the immediate fallout, the episode serves as a cautionary tale for other developers navigating the integration of AI tools. Clear communication with staff, proper attribution of work, and thoughtful consideration of how AI augments rather than replaces human talent are essential to maintaining trust both within a studio and among its audience. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page follows a public dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco, who alleges she was ousted in favor of ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized, acknowledging his impulsive reaction to criticism and expressing a willingness to make amends. The incident underscores ongoing debates about AI’s place in game development, the ethical treatment of creative personnel, and the importance of transparency in the digital marketplace.