Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, now visible on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s approach to AI tools 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. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its development and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed uses of artificial intelligence during the game’s creation." In a public statement, Karch countered Sacco’s allegations by saying she was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He continued, "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. He also reiterated that the studio had already disclosed its intention to employ AI for certain elements of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. Karch framed the use of AI in Rideshare Simulator as a consumer benefit, noting that the title would be positioned as a lower‑priced offering.
"We view our AI integration in this particular game as a plus for players," he said, suggesting that the technology could streamline development and potentially lower costs for the end‑user. The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "I have 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, for his part, issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional response. "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," he wrote.
"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 studios experiment with large language models and image‑generation tools, questions arise regarding authorship, credit, and the ethical treatment of human contributors. Critics argue that replacing a writer with a chatbot not only undermines the value of human creativity but also raises legal concerns about intellectual property and employment contracts.
Supporters, however, point to the efficiency gains and cost savings that AI can deliver, especially for smaller or budget‑constrained titles. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game’s pricing strategy appears to be a key factor in the decision to incorporate AI. By positioning the title as an affordable experience, Saber Interactive may be attempting to justify the use of automated writing tools as a way to keep development expenses low while still delivering a polished product.
Nonetheless, the public backlash suggests that transparency and fair treatment of staff remain critical components of any AI adoption plan. Stella Sacco’s tenure at Saber spanned exactly one year, from July 2023 to July 2024, during which she reportedly contributed significantly to the narrative and dialogue design of Rideshare Simulator.
Her claim that she was removed from the project and supplanted by ChatGPT sparked immediate concern among industry observers, who feared that the move could set a precedent for the wholesale replacement of human writers. While Karch’s apology on BlueSky and LinkedIn indicates a willingness to mend fences, the long‑term impact on Saber’s reputation is uncertain. The company’s decision to publish a formal AI disclaimer on Steam may help restore some trust among consumers who value transparency, but it also places the studio under increased scrutiny.
Future updates to the game’s description will likely need to detail exactly which aspects of the experience are AI‑generated, whether that includes in‑game text, marketing copy, or procedural content. For now, the situation serves as a cautionary tale for other developers navigating the delicate balance between technological innovation and human talent.
As AI continues to evolve, studios must develop clear policies that respect the contributions of their staff while responsibly leveraging new tools. Open communication, fair credit, and a willingness to address mistakes—such as Karch’s public acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction—will be essential in maintaining both creative integrity and consumer confidence in an increasingly automated industry. In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to the allegations by adding an AI usage notice to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator, clarifying its stance on AI integration, and issuing apologies through both social media and direct statements.
The episode underscores the growing pains of an industry grappling with the integration of artificial intelligence, and it will likely influence how other studios approach similar challenges in the future.