Saber Interactive has taken the step of inserting an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer onto the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over 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 storefront, is intended to clarify the studio’s current stance on AI usage and to address the controversy that has surrounded the development process. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed applications of artificial intelligence throughout the game's creation." In a series of public statements, Karch attempted to counter Sacco’s allegations.
He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s remarks suggested a degree of ambivalence toward the use of generative tools, hinting that the studio might have considered AI a viable substitute for human labor under certain circumstances. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further distanced himself from 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 Saber had already announced the intention to employ AI for specific components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. According to Karch, the incorporation of AI into a "lower‑priced title" like Rideshare Simulator would be "a plus for consumers," implying that cost savings or efficiency gains might translate into a better value proposition for players. The dispute escalated 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." Karch also issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. 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." The controversy touches on several broader industry debates. First, the ethical implications of replacing human writers with AI tools remain unsettled.
While AI can generate large volumes of text quickly, critics argue that it lacks the nuance, creativity, and lived experience that a seasoned writer brings to narrative design. Sacco’s claim that she was removed mid‑development and supplanted by ChatGPT raises questions about how studios value intellectual property and the labor of creative staff.
Second, the transparency of AI usage in games is becoming a point of consumer interest. Players increasingly want to know whether the dialogue, quest descriptions, or even character personalities they encounter are crafted by humans or generated by algorithms.
Saber’s decision to add a disclaimer can be seen as a response to that demand for openness, even if the wording of the notice appears defensive rather than purely informational. Third, the incident highlights the potential reputational risk for companies that react impulsively on social media. Karch’s admission that he "shot first and thought second" suggests a lapse in judgment that may have amplified the backlash. In the fast‑paced world of online communication, executives are often advised to pause, consult legal or PR teams, and craft measured responses rather than reacting in the heat of the moment.
From a business perspective, the use of AI in a lower‑priced title like Rideshare Simulator could be justified as a cost‑saving measure. By automating portions of copywriting, a studio might reduce development expenses and allocate resources to other areas such as gameplay polish or marketing. However, the trade‑off may involve a perceived reduction in narrative quality, which could affect player satisfaction and long‑term brand loyalty. Looking ahead, the industry is likely to see more formal guidelines around AI disclosure.
Some platforms are already considering requirements for developers to label AI‑generated content, much like the labeling of user‑generated content in other media. Such policies would provide clearer expectations for both creators and consumers, potentially mitigating disputes like the one between Saber and Sacco. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an attempt to address a public controversy involving alleged dismissal of a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized to former writer Stella Sacco, acknowledging his impulsive reaction to criticism and expressing a willingness to make amends. The episode underscores ongoing conversations about the role of AI in game development, the importance of transparency, and the need for thoughtful communication strategies when navigating sensitive personnel matters.