Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming 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, which now sits prominently on the game’s storefront, seeks to clarify the studio’s current approach to AI tools and to address the controversy that has surrounded the project since early 2024.
The full wording of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update reflects recent statements made by Saber Interactive’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, concerning former staff member Stella Sacco. Ms. Sacco was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. During her tenure she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project part‑way through development and, according to her account, was substituted with content generated by ChatGPT.
She also alleges that additional, undisclosed AI technologies were employed throughout the game's creation. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by another individual whom he describes as more talented and that her employment was terminated for a range of reasons a few months later. He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable replacing her with AI. "When asked about Ms.
Sacco, Mr. Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames, 'Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her.' He also confirmed that the studio is already using AI for certain aspects of the game and that a revised Steam page will be posted once the feature set is finalised. "Saber Interactive views the incorporation of AI into this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers.
"In a post on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, Ms. Sacco wrote that Mr. Karch had 'apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press.' She added, 'I have been firm from the beginning that I was telling the truth; I think we can all now agree that it has 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.' "Mr.
Karch also issued a public comment on LinkedIn, stating, '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 background to this dispute begins with Ms.
Sacco’s tenure at Saber Interactive, where she served as the lead writer for Rideshare Simulator—a game that aims to simulate the day‑to‑day experience of a rideshare driver, complete with realistic navigation, passenger interactions, and a dynamic urban environment. According to her own statements, she joined the project in July 2023 and contributed to the narrative framework, character dialogue, and mission design for several months. In early 2024, however, she alleges that she was abruptly removed from the development team.
In a series of online posts, she claimed that her departure coincided with the studio’s decision to replace her written content with output generated by the language model ChatGPT, a move she described as both unethical and dismissive of her professional contributions. Saber Interactive’s CEO, Matt Karch, responded to the allegations in a series of interviews and social‑media posts. In an interview with This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared skeptical of Ms. Sacco’s existence, stating that he had never met or spoken with her and that he had to ask the AI assistant Claude for clarification.
He also asserted that the studio had already incorporated AI tools into certain development pipelines, such as procedural text generation for in‑game signage and dynamic mission briefings, and that these tools were intended to enhance the player experience rather than replace human writers. Karch’s comments sparked a backlash from portions of the gaming community and industry observers who argued that his remarks trivialized the contributions of writers and raised concerns about transparency in AI usage. Critics pointed out that while AI can assist with repetitive or data‑driven text, the craft of storytelling, character development, and nuanced dialogue traditionally relies on human creativity and cultural awareness.
The controversy also highlighted a broader industry debate about the ethical implications of substituting human labor with generative AI, especially in creative fields where authorship and intellectual property are central concerns. In a later statement posted on the professional networking site LinkedIn, Karch attempted to soften his earlier tone. He admitted that he had reacted impulsively to “certain later comments” and that his initial response was driven by emotion rather than measured consideration. He framed his subsequent actions as an effort to “rectify” the situation, though he did not provide concrete details about any remedial steps beyond the public apology and the addition of the Steam disclaimer.
Ms. Sacco’s response on BlueSky, a micro‑blogging platform, indicated that she accepted Karch’s apology but remained uncertain about what restitution might look like. She emphasized that she had consistently maintained the truth of her claims and suggested that the facts were now evident to the public. Her statement also hinted at a desire for a more tangible resolution, perhaps involving acknowledgment of her work, compensation, or a public correction of the record.
The inclusion of the AI disclaimer on the Steam page serves several purposes. First, it provides transparency to potential buyers, informing them that the game contains AI‑generated elements.
Second, it functions as a defensive measure for Saber Interactive, documenting the company’s official stance in case of future legal or reputational challenges. Finally, it acknowledges the ongoing conversation within the industry about responsible AI deployment.
From a broader perspective, the Saber Interactive episode underscores the growing pains that many studios are experiencing as they integrate generative AI into their pipelines. While AI can accelerate content creation, reduce costs, and enable new forms of interactivity, it also raises questions about job security for writers, artists, and other creatives. Companies must navigate these waters carefully, balancing efficiency gains with ethical considerations and clear communication to both employees and consumers. In conclusion, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI usage disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam listing reflects an attempt to address a controversy that began with allegations of a writer being ousted in favor of ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch’s public apology and acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction represent a step toward repairing the strained relationship with former staff member Stella Sacco. However, the incident also serves as a case study in the challenges of integrating AI into creative development, highlighting the need for transparent policies, respectful treatment of human talent, and open dialogue with the gaming community about how AI is shaping the future of interactive entertainment.