Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, by adding a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game’s development. This move comes after a heated dispute that erupted when former writer Stella Sacco alleged that the studio had dismissed her from the project in favor of AI‑generated content, specifically citing the use of ChatGPT to replace her work. The controversy quickly spread across gaming news outlets and social media, prompting the company’s leadership to address the accusations publicly. The full text of the new 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 including this statement, Saber hopes to provide transparency for potential players and to clarify the extent of AI involvement before the game’s final release.
When the issue first broke, Sacco claimed that she had been let go from the project halfway through its production cycle and that her responsibilities were handed over to an AI language model. She further suggested that additional, undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game’s creation, raising concerns about the authenticity of the narrative and the ethical treatment of creative staff. In response, Matt Karch, the company’s chief executive, offered a brief but pointed rebuttal.
He asserted that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added a somewhat surprising remark that, in hindsight, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." This comment was interpreted by many observers as an admission that AI could have been used as a cost‑saving measure, though Karch stopped short of confirming any specific instances beyond the writer’s role. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further distanced himself from Sacco, saying, "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 incorporate AI in certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized.
Karch framed the use of AI as a benefit for consumers, noting that Rideshare Simulator would be a "lower priced title" and that the AI integration should be viewed as a value‑adding component rather than a cost‑cutting shortcut. The controversy took another turn when Sacco posted on the social networking platform BlueSky over the weekend. In her message, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "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 indicated a tentative acceptance of the CEO’s remorse while also highlighting that the path toward any concrete resolution remained unclear. Karch later posted a separate public comment on LinkedIn, where he reflected on his own behavior. He wrote, "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 admission of impulsive reaction suggests that the initial statements made by the company may have been hastily crafted, potentially exacerbating the situation. The broader gaming community has been watching this dispute closely, as it touches on several hot‑button issues: the role of AI in creative industries, the treatment of writers and other talent, and the transparency of studios when they adopt new technologies. Many developers have voiced concerns that reliance on AI could undermine the value of human storytelling, while others argue that AI can serve as a useful tool when employed responsibly and with proper attribution.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the AI disclaimer now present on Steam serves multiple purposes. First, it informs prospective buyers that some portions of the game’s narrative or dialogue may have been generated or assisted by AI, allowing them to make an informed purchasing decision.
Second, it acts as a form of damage control for Saber Interactive, signaling that the company is taking the allegations seriously enough to update its public-facing materials. Finally, the disclaimer may set a precedent for other studios facing similar scrutiny, encouraging a more open dialogue about the balance between human creativity and machine assistance. From a legal standpoint, there are no clear regulations yet governing the disclosure of AI‑generated content in video games, though consumer protection agencies in several jurisdictions are beginning to explore the issue.
Should regulators decide that undisclosed AI use constitutes a deceptive practice, studios like Saber could face fines or be required to provide retroactive disclosures. Until such policies are formalized, the industry largely relies on self‑regulation and community pressure to maintain ethical standards. Looking ahead, the fate of Stella Sacco’s claims may hinge on further internal investigations or potential legal action.
If her allegations are substantiated, Saber Interactive could be compelled to offer compensation or public acknowledgment beyond the current apology. Conversely, if the company can demonstrate that AI was used in a limited, transparent manner, the controversy may subside, and the focus will shift back to the game's core gameplay experience. Rideshare Simulator itself promises a detailed, simulation‑heavy experience that puts players behind the wheel of a ridesharing vehicle, navigating city traffic, managing passenger expectations, and optimizing earnings.
The developers have highlighted features such as dynamic weather, realistic traffic patterns, and a progression system that rewards efficient driving. Whether AI will play a role in generating mission briefings, in‑game advertisements, or even procedural events remains to be seen, but the studio’s recent statements suggest that at least some of these elements could be AI‑assisted.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Steam page reflects a growing awareness of the need for transparency in the age of machine‑generated content. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco acknowledges a misstep in communication and hints at a willingness to make amends, though the exact nature of any restitution remains undefined. As the gaming industry continues to grapple with the integration of AI, the outcome of this particular dispute may serve as an informative case study for other developers navigating the delicate balance between innovation, ethical labor practices, and consumer trust.