Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, by adding a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game’s development. The move comes after a heated debate erupted online when allegations surfaced that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools such as ChatGPT. The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco claims she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by an AI language model.
She also alleges that other, still‑unpublished, aspects of the game were created with the assistance of artificial intelligence." In a series of statements released after the controversy, Karch attempted to clarify the situation. He said that Sacco "was replaced by someone we considered more skilled for the role and that her employment was terminated a few months later for a range of reasons." He added that, looking back, he "would have been comfortable replacing her with AI if the circumstances had called for it." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch made a somewhat baffling comment: "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referring to the AI assistant Claude. He continued, "We have already disclosed that we are employing AI for certain portions of the game, and we will revise the Steam page once the feature list is finalized." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting, "We view our integration of artificial intelligence in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as an added value for players." The dispute took a more personal turn when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "From the start I have stood firm that my account was truthful; it now appears that the facts support my version. Matt expressed a desire to make things right with me. At this point I’m not sure what that looks like, and I need some time to process it, but I do accept his apology." Karch also issued a public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional 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 admitted. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify the situation." The controversy highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative processes.
While many developers see AI as a tool that can speed up content creation—generating dialogue, environmental descriptions, or even concept art—others worry about the ethical implications of replacing human writers and artists with algorithms. Critics argue that AI‑generated text often lacks the nuance, cultural awareness, and emotional depth that a seasoned writer brings to a narrative, especially in a simulation game that aims to capture the everyday realities of rideshare drivers.
Supporters, however, point out that AI can serve as a valuable assistant, handling repetitive or boilerplate writing tasks while freeing human creators to focus on higher‑level storytelling and design decisions. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, Saber Interactive appears to be positioning AI as a cost‑saving measure for a budget‑friendly title, suggesting that the technology will help keep the game affordable for consumers.
The incident also raises questions about workplace transparency. Sacco’s claim that she was removed from the project without clear communication, and then allegedly replaced by an AI, underscores the need for studios to be forthright about how and when they employ automated tools. Employees and the public alike are demanding clearer policies that delineate the boundaries between human and machine contributions.
From a legal standpoint, the use of AI‑generated content can intersect with copyright law, especially if the AI is trained on copyrighted material without proper licensing. While the current dispute does not appear to involve any direct infringement claims, it adds to the growing body of cases that could shape future regulations. In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive has pledged to be more explicit about its AI usage. The company plans to update the Steam store page once the final feature set is locked, providing players with a detailed breakdown of which elements were created with AI assistance and which were crafted by human staff.
This level of disclosure is intended to restore trust among consumers who may be wary of purchasing a game that relies heavily on automated content. For now, the situation remains a cautionary tale for other studios navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in game development.
It illustrates the potential pitfalls of hasty communication, the importance of respecting the contributions of human creators, and the necessity of transparent policies that keep both employees and players informed. As the industry continues to experiment with AI, developers will need to balance efficiency gains with ethical considerations, ensuring that the technology enhances rather than replaces the human creativity that lies at the heart of compelling interactive experiences. The outcome of Saber Interactive’s handling of this controversy may well serve as a benchmark for how future disputes are managed, influencing everything from internal HR practices to public relations strategies and, ultimately, the way games are marketed to an increasingly discerning audience.