Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game’s development. This move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with content generated by AI tools.
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 background to the controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco publicly alleged that she had been taken off the Rideshare Simulator project halfway through its production cycle and that her responsibilities were handed over to an artificial‑intelligence system—specifically ChatGPT. Sacco further suggested that additional, undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game's creation, raising questions about transparency, authorship, and the ethical treatment of creative staff. In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded to the accusations. He asserted that Sacco had indeed been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s remarks were interpreted by many as a blunt admission that the company had opted for machine‑generated copy over human writing talent.
During an appearance on the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further distanced himself from Sacco, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He explained that Saber had already communicated its intention to incorporate AI into certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. According to Karch, the use of AI in a lower‑priced title such as Rideshare Simulator was intended to be a benefit for consumers, presumably by keeping costs down and allowing for faster content iteration. The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on the social‑networking platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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 confessed, "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 episode highlights several broader industry trends. First, the integration of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other language models into game development pipelines is accelerating. Studios are experimenting with AI for tasks ranging from narrative generation and dialogue scripting to marketing copy and procedural content creation.
While these technologies can streamline production and reduce costs, they also raise concerns about the displacement of human writers, the quality and originality of AI‑generated text, and the need for clear disclosure to players and consumers. Second, the controversy underscores the importance of transparent communication when AI is used in creative projects. Players increasingly expect honesty about how a game was built, especially when it involves emerging technologies that may affect the final experience.
By adding the AI disclaimer to the Steam page, Saber Interactive is attempting to address those expectations, though critics argue that the timing—after public criticism—makes the gesture appear reactive rather than proactive. Finally, the personal dimension of the dispute serves as a reminder that workplace conflicts can quickly become public when social media amplifies voices on both sides. Sacco’s decision to share her perspective on BlueSky gave her a platform to articulate her experience, while Karch’s candid LinkedIn post revealed a willingness to admit fault, albeit in a somewhat defensive tone.
The exchange illustrates how modern corporate leaders must navigate not only the technical aspects of AI adoption but also the human element of staff morale, reputation management, and ethical responsibility. In the months ahead, observers will be watching how Saber Interactive implements its AI strategy for Rideshare Simulator and whether the company will establish clearer guidelines for AI usage across its portfolio. The incident may also prompt other developers to revisit their own policies on AI disclosure, staff communication, and the balance between technological efficiency and creative integrity. Overall, the saga of Saber Interactive, Matt Karch, and Stella Sacco provides a case study in the growing pains of an industry in transition—where cutting‑edge tools meet longstanding expectations about authorship, accountability, and respect for the people who bring games to life.