Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a formal disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The company’s chief executive, Matt Karch, addressed the allegations publicly, offering both clarification and an apology to the former employee involved. The new AI disclaimer, posted directly on the Steam listing, reads in full 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.
In response, Karch stated that Sacco was 'replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later,' and added that 'in retrospect [he] would have been happy to replace her with AI.'" The notice goes on to explain that the studio is currently employing AI tools for certain aspects of the game and will update the page once the feature set is finalized, positioning the technology as a benefit for consumers, especially given the game's lower price point. The controversy began when former writer Stella Sacco, who contributed to Rideshare Simulator between July 2023 and July 2024, posted a series of statements on the social network BlueSky.
Sacco alleged that she was removed from the project partway through its development and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, an AI language model. She further claimed that the studio had been using AI in other, undisclosed parts of the production pipeline without informing the public.
Matt Karch responded to these accusations in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames. He said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." Karch clarified that the company had already disclosed its intention to incorporate AI for specific components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final AI‑driven features were locked down.
He framed the use of AI as a consumer‑friendly decision, noting that the technology could help keep the game affordable while still delivering a polished experience. In the wake of Sacco’s BlueSky post, the writer also shared 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 statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the situation. 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 incident highlights a broader industry debate about the role of AI in creative fields.
As game development tools become more sophisticated, studios are increasingly experimenting with AI for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to narrative drafting. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and enable smaller teams to achieve results that previously required larger staff. Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may undermine the value of human creativity, lead to job displacement, and raise ethical concerns about transparency and authorship. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the controversy centers on whether the replacement of a human writer with an AI system was handled ethically and communicated openly to both the team and the public.
While Karch’s apology suggests a recognition of missteps in communication, the broader question remains: how should studios balance the efficiency gains of AI with the responsibility to credit and compensate the human talent that contributes to a game's narrative voice? Saber Interactive’s decision to place a clear AI disclaimer on the Steam page can be seen as an attempt to address these concerns head‑on.
By making the use of AI explicit, the company aims to provide players with full disclosure, allowing them to make informed choices about the products they support. This transparency could set a precedent for other developers facing similar dilemmas.
The episode also underscores the personal impact such disputes can have on individuals. Sacco’s statements reflect a sense of betrayal and a desire for acknowledgment, while Karch’s public admission of a rushed, emotionally driven response illustrates the pressures executives face when navigating public criticism. Both parties appear to be seeking a path forward—Sacco by accepting the apology and taking time to consider next steps, and Karch by committing to rectify the situation and improve communication.
Looking ahead, the gaming community will likely watch how Saber Interactive implements its AI features in Rideshare Simulator and whether the company follows through on its promise to update the Steam listing with detailed information. The outcome may influence how other studios approach AI integration, especially in narrative-driven projects where the line between human and machine authorship can become blurred. In summary, Saber Interactive has added an AI usage disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page after a dispute over the alleged replacement of writer Stella Sacco with ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch publicly apologized for his earlier remarks, admitted to reacting impulsively, and pledged to correct the situation.
The incident shines a light on the evolving conversation about AI in game development, the importance of transparency, and the need to balance technological innovation with respect for human creators.