Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated public dispute in which former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was removed from the project midway and that her responsibilities were taken over by a ChatGPT‑generated script, alongside other undisclosed AI applications.
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." The statement acknowledges the controversy and attempts to provide transparency for potential players who might wonder about the role of machine‑generated content in the final product. In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Karch addressed the accusations head‑on.
He explained that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added a candid reflection: "In retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." This admission sparked further debate about the ethics of substituting human writers with automated language models, especially in a creative medium like video games where narrative nuance is prized. During an episode of the podcast "This Week In Videogames," Karch elaborated on his limited personal interaction with Sacco. "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI assistant Claude as a tongue‑in‑cheek way of highlighting his reliance on technology for information.
He continued, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set." The CEO framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting that the title is intended to be a lower‑priced offering. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he asserted, suggesting that cost savings could be passed on to players.
The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social‑networking 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." Sacco's message conveyed a mixture of relief that her side of the story was finally recognized and uncertainty about what concrete steps might follow the apology. Karch, for his part, issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, attempting to contextualise his earlier reaction.
"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." This admission of an impulsive response, coupled with an appeal to his humanity, was intended to soften the perception of his earlier remarks, which many had found dismissive and defensive.
The episode raises broader questions about the evolving relationship between game developers and AI tools. While AI can accelerate content creation, generate placeholder text, or assist with localization, the line between assistance and replacement remains blurry.
Industry observers note that the cost pressures on mid‑tier titles often push studios to experiment with automation, but they caution that the loss of a seasoned writer can affect narrative cohesion, character development, and overall player immersion. In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive has pledged to be more transparent about its AI usage. The company plans to update the Steam page once the feature set is finalized, detailing exactly which portions of the game—such as in‑game signage, tutorial prompts, or minor dialogue—are AI‑generated.
This level of disclosure aims to give consumers the information needed to make an informed purchase decision, especially for those who value handcrafted storytelling. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a lively discussion within the gaming community.
Some players argue that AI can produce competent, if not spectacular, writing, and that the cost savings could translate into lower prices or more frequent updates. Others maintain that the creative spark of a human author is irreplaceable, especially for nuanced storytelling that resonates emotionally with players. For Sacco, the episode appears to be a turning point.
Her public acceptance of Karch's apology suggests a willingness to move forward, though she remains cautious about what concrete reparations might entail. Whether the apology will be accompanied by financial compensation, a public acknowledgment in the game's credits, or an opportunity to contribute to future projects remains to be seen. In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an industry grappling with the integration of machine‑learning tools into creative pipelines. CEO Matt Karch's public apology and acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction illustrate the human side of corporate communication, while the ongoing dialogue between developers, writers, and players underscores the need for clear guidelines and ethical standards when employing AI in game development.