Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted around claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated copy. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s storefront, is intended to clarify the studio’s current stance on AI usage and to address the accusations that have been circulating online. The full text of the 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." The background to this statement involves a series of public statements made by both parties. According to Sacco, she was hired by Saber Interactive in mid‑2023 to serve as the lead writer for Rideshare Simulator, a simulation game that aims to recreate the experience of operating a ridesharing service.
She alleges that midway through the project she was abruptly taken off the team and that her responsibilities were handed over to an AI language model—specifically ChatGPT. In addition to this claim, Sacco suggested that other, as‑yet‑undisclosed aspects of the game’s development had also relied on artificial intelligence tools.
Matt Karch, the chief executive officer of Saber Interactive, responded to these allegations with a series of remarks that quickly attracted media attention. In an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch said that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." He went on to say, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had never met the writer in person. Karch also confirmed that the studio was indeed employing AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalised.
The CEO framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." This comment reflects a growing industry trend where developers are experimenting with AI to cut costs, speed up production, and potentially enhance gameplay experiences. However, the manner in which the decision was communicated—and the subsequent fallout—has raised questions about transparency and respect for creative talent. In the days following Karch’s interview, Sacco posted a message on the social platform BlueSky, describing the CEO’s reaction as an "unreserved apology 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 took to LinkedIn to issue a public statement, acknowledging his own emotional response. 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 exchange highlights several broader issues facing the video‑game industry today.
First, the rapid adoption of AI tools—ranging from language models that can draft narrative text to image generators that can produce concept art—has created a tension between efficiency and artistic integrity. While some studios view AI as a cost‑saving measure that can free human creators to focus on higher‑level design work, others worry that reliance on machine‑generated content could erode the unique voice and craftsmanship that players value. Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication and contractual clarity when staff are let go or reassigned.
Sacco’s claim that she was replaced without prior notice and that an AI system took over her duties raises questions about how employment agreements address the use of third‑party technology in place of human labor. As AI becomes more embedded in development pipelines, companies may need to draft explicit clauses that outline the circumstances under which AI can be used, and what rights employees retain over the work they produce.
Third, the public apology and the addition of a disclaimer reflect a growing awareness among developers that transparency with consumers is essential. Gamers increasingly scrutinise the development process, especially when it comes to ethical concerns such as data privacy, bias in AI‑generated content, and the potential displacement of creative workers.
By posting a formal AI disclaimer on the Steam page, Saber Interactive is attempting to pre‑empt further criticism and to reassure buyers that the use of AI has been considered thoughtfully. The controversy also serves as a case study for how leadership responses can either defuse or exacerbate a crisis. Karch’s candid admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—demonstrates a level of vulnerability that is relatively rare among high‑profile executives. While some observers may interpret his apology as a genuine effort to make amends, others might view it as an attempt to mitigate reputational damage.
Looking ahead, the Rideshare Simulator team plans to finalize the AI features and update the Steam listing accordingly. The game, positioned as an affordable entry‑level simulation, is expected to launch later this year. Whether the AI disclaimer will affect consumer perception remains to be seen, but the episode has already sparked a broader conversation about the role of artificial intelligence in game writing, the ethics of replacing human talent with machines, and the responsibilities of studios to communicate openly with both their staff and their audience.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page follows a heated dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco and CEO Matt Karch. The dispute centered on claims that Sacco was removed from the project and replaced by ChatGPT, prompting Karch to publicly acknowledge his emotional reaction and to apologise. The incident highlights the challenges of integrating AI into creative workflows, the need for transparent communication, and the evolving expectations of gamers regarding ethical development practices. As the industry continues to experiment with AI, the lessons learned from this episode may shape how studios balance technological innovation with respect for the human creators who bring games to life.