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 that erupted when former staff member Stella Sacco alleged that the company had removed her from the project and substituted her work with content generated by ChatGPT, as well as hinted at other undisclosed AI applications throughout the game's creation. 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." In the wake of Sacco’s statements, Karch responded publicly, asserting that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later." He also admitted that, looking back, he would have been comfortable swapping her out for an AI system.
"In retrospect, I would have been happy to replace her with AI," Karch said. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further clarified his position, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed that they were employing AI for specific portions of the game and that a more detailed update would be added to the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. "We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for consumers," he added.
The controversy escalated 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 also issued a separate statement on LinkedIn, where he acknowledged his own emotional reaction to the unfolding situation. "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." The episode has sparked a broader conversation within the gaming community about the ethical implications of replacing human writers with AI tools, especially in narrative‑driven experiences.
Many developers and players alike are questioning where the line should be drawn between leveraging AI for efficiency and preserving the creative integrity that comes from human storytelling. Critics argue that while AI can assist with routine tasks—such as generating placeholder text, localising dialogue, or offering language suggestions—it should not be used to supplant the nuanced, emotionally resonant work that skilled writers bring to a project. In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive has pledged to be more transparent about its AI workflow. The company says it will publish a detailed breakdown of which aspects of Rideshare Simulator were assisted by AI, how the technology was integrated, and what safeguards were put in place to ensure quality.
This level of openness is intended to reassure both consumers and industry peers that the final product maintains a high standard of narrative craftsmanship, even if some components were generated with the help of machine learning models. The situation also highlights the challenges faced by studios navigating rapidly evolving AI capabilities.
As large language models become more sophisticated, the temptation to rely on them for cost‑saving measures grows. However, the potential fallout—ranging from public relations crises to legal disputes over employment contracts—serves as a cautionary tale.
Companies are now being urged to develop clear policies that outline when and how AI can be used, as well as to establish transparent communication channels with their staff. For Sacco, the experience has been a personal and professional ordeal. In her BlueSky post, she emphasized that she remains committed to her version of the truth and hopes that the industry will learn from her case.
"I accept his apology, but I also want to see concrete actions that demonstrate respect for writers and a commitment to ethical AI usage," she wrote. From a consumer perspective, the AI disclaimer on Steam offers a new layer of information that may influence purchasing decisions. Players who are concerned about authenticity in storytelling can now see at a glance that AI played a role in the game's development.
Conversely, some gamers may view AI assistance as a positive development, believing it could lead to faster updates, bug fixes, or innovative gameplay features. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam page reflects an attempt to address controversy, clarify its development practices, and restore trust after a public dispute with former writer Stella Sacco. CEO Matt Karch’s apology and acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction indicate a willingness to engage in dialogue, though the broader implications for the gaming industry’s use of AI remain a topic of ongoing debate.
The episode underscores the importance of transparency, ethical guidelines, and respectful treatment of creative talent as AI continues to reshape the landscape of video game production.