Saber Interactive has taken the step of appending a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted around claims that the company had sidelined a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s page, serves both as a transparency measure and as a response to the heated public debate that followed the allegations. The full text of the newly added 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 through July 2024. Ms.
Sacco has asserted that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed uses of artificial intelligence in the game's creation. In light of these statements, we are providing this clarification regarding our AI usage and personnel decisions." The background to this statement involves a series of comments made by Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, about the circumstances surrounding Sacco’s departure.
According to Karch, Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added that, looking back, he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." These remarks were made during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where Karch appeared flustered and defensive. During the interview, Karch said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had not personally interacted with the writer in question.
He further explained that the studio had already disclosed its intention to incorporate AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. "We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for consumers," he added, attempting to frame the technology as a value‑add rather than a cost‑cutting measure.
The situation escalated 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'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 later issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, attempting to explain his earlier outburst.
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 behavior was meant to soften the blow of his earlier remarks, but many observers felt it fell short of a genuine contrition. The controversy touches on several broader industry trends. First, the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models has become increasingly common in video game development, ranging from narrative generation to marketing copy.
While some studios tout AI as a way to accelerate production and reduce costs, others warn that over‑reliance on machine‑generated content can erode creative authenticity and potentially displace skilled writers. Second, the episode raises questions about workplace transparency and the treatment of employees who raise concerns about AI adoption. Sacco’s claim that she was removed from the project and replaced by a non‑human system suggests a possible clash between traditional creative roles and emerging technological workflows. Critics argue that companies should establish clear policies for AI integration, including how it impacts staffing, credit attribution, and compensation.
Third, the public reaction underscores the importance of corporate communication strategies when dealing with sensitive topics. Karch’s initial defensive posture, followed by a belated apology, illustrates how quickly a misstep can spiral into a reputational crisis.
In the age of social media, stakeholders—players, journalists, and industry peers—expect swift, honest, and accountable responses. In the wake of the incident, several industry voices have weighed in.
Some commentators note that AI can indeed be a "plus for consumers" when used responsibly, offering richer procedural content or localized text that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive. Others caution that replacing a human writer mid‑project, especially without clear consent or acknowledgment, could set a troubling precedent for labor practices. Saber Interactive’s decision to add the AI disclaimer to the Steam page can be seen as an attempt to restore trust and comply with emerging expectations for disclosure. By openly stating that AI was employed in certain parts of the game, the studio aligns itself with a growing movement toward transparency about algorithmic involvement in creative products.
Looking ahead, the company may need to take additional steps to mend relationships with former staff and the broader community. Potential actions could include offering a formal written apology to Sacco, providing a detailed breakdown of how AI was used in Rideshare Simulator, and establishing an internal ethics board to oversee future AI deployments. Such measures would not only address the immediate fallout but also set a benchmark for responsible AI usage in the gaming sector. In summary, the saga surrounding Saber Interactive, Rideshare Simulator, and former writer Stella Sacco highlights the delicate balance between technological innovation and human talent.
While AI offers exciting possibilities for accelerating development and enhancing player experiences, it must be integrated with respect for the people who craft the stories and worlds that gamers love. The company’s recent disclaimer and the CEO’s public apology mark the first steps toward reconciliation, but sustained effort and clear policy will be essential to rebuild confidence among creators and consumers alike.