Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current use of AI tools and to address the accusations that have been circulating online. The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used during the game's creation. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by another individual he described as more skilled 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 substituting her role with AI technology." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch elaborated on the situation, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or even seen her in person." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed its intention to incorporate AI in certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature list was locked down. "We view the use of AI in this particular title—especially given its lower price point—as a benefit for consumers," he added.
The dispute resurfaced over the weekend when Sacco posted a message on the social network BlueSky, 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 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 debate about the role of generative AI in game development.
While AI can accelerate tasks such as dialogue generation, environment design, and quality‑assurance testing, many creators worry about the ethical implications of replacing human talent with algorithms. In Saber's case, the allegation that a writer was removed mid‑project and supplanted by a language model raised questions about transparency, labor practices, and the value placed on creative authorship.
Industry observers note that the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or other large language models has become increasingly common in studios seeking to streamline content pipelines. However, best‑practice guidelines generally recommend clear disclosure to both internal teams and the public when AI contributes substantially to a product.
Failure to do so can erode trust among players, journalists, and the broader creative community. From a legal standpoint, the situation also touches on potential contractual obligations. Many employment agreements now include clauses about intellectual property ownership and the permissible use of third‑party software. If a writer's contributions are replaced by AI‑generated text, questions may arise regarding who holds the rights to the final narrative and whether the original author should receive credit or compensation.
For gamers, the practical impact of the AI disclaimer may be modest. Rideshare Simulator is marketed as a lower‑priced title that simulates the day‑to‑day experience of a rideshare driver, focusing on realistic city navigation, passenger interaction, and vehicle management.
The addition of AI could affect the game's dialogue, mission prompts, or tutorial text, potentially making these elements more dynamic or varied. Yet, some players might perceive AI‑crafted content as less authentic or emotionally resonant compared to writing produced by a dedicated human author. In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive has pledged to keep its community informed about the extent of AI integration.
The studio indicated that future updates to the Steam page will detail which specific features rely on machine‑learning models and which remain entirely handcrafted. This level of transparency aims to restore confidence among fans who felt misled by the initial lack of disclosure. Meanwhile, the personal dimension of the dispute remains unresolved.
Sacco's statement on BlueSky suggests a tentative acceptance of Karch's apology, but also hints at lingering uncertainty about what restitution might look like. Whether the studio will offer a formal settlement, a public acknowledgment in the game's credits, or any other form of redress has not been disclosed.
The episode serves as a cautionary tale for other developers navigating the fine line between technological innovation and ethical responsibility. As AI continues to evolve, studios will need to balance efficiency gains with respect for the creative professionals who shape the stories and experiences that gamers cherish. Clear communication, fair labor practices, and thoughtful implementation will be essential to avoid similar controversies in the future. In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to add an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator's Steam listing reflects an attempt to address community concerns after allegations of replacing a human writer with ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch publicly apologized for his earlier remarks, acknowledging a rushed emotional response. The broader conversation underscores the importance of transparency and ethical considerations as the gaming industry increasingly adopts artificial‑intelligence tools.