Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current and planned use of AI tools within the project, and to address concerns raised by the gaming community and the media. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco has alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator development team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications used during the creation of the game. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by an individual he described as ‘more talented’ and that her employment was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI. "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames. "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set." "We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for consumers." In a post on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, Sacco wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "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 public statement on LinkedIn, where he admitted, "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 incident began when Sacco, who served as the lead writer for Rideshare Simulator during its early development phase, publicly claimed that her contract was terminated after she raised concerns about the studio’s reliance on AI for narrative content. According to her account, the decision to replace her with a language model such as ChatGPT was made without her knowledge, and she was subsequently excluded from further involvement in the project.
Sacco’s statements quickly gained traction on social media, prompting a broader discussion about the ethical implications of using AI in creative roles traditionally filled by human writers. Matt Karch’s initial reaction was defensive. In a recorded interview with This Week In Videogames, he appeared skeptical of Sacco’s existence, even asking an AI assistant named Claude to verify her identity.
This remark was widely interpreted as dismissive and contributed to the perception that the company was attempting to downplay the seriousness of the allegations. Karch later clarified that the studio had indeed incorporated AI tools for specific tasks—such as generating placeholder dialogue, procedural text, and localization assistance—but maintained that the core narrative design remained under human direction.
The company’s decision to publish an AI disclaimer on Steam can be seen as an effort to increase transparency. In the gaming industry, the use of AI for content creation has become more common, yet many developers still grapple with how to disclose that practice to players.
By explicitly stating which aspects of Rideshare Simulator are AI‑assisted, Saber hopes to mitigate backlash and reassure consumers that the final product will meet quality expectations. From a broader perspective, the controversy highlights a growing tension between cost‑saving technologies and the value placed on human creativity.
AI language models can produce large volumes of text quickly and at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full‑time writer. However, critics argue that these models lack the nuance, cultural awareness, and emotional depth that seasoned writers bring to storytelling.
The debate is particularly salient for narrative‑driven games, where character development and immersive dialogue are central to player engagement. Industry analysts note that while AI can be a powerful tool for brainstorming, localization, and iterative testing, it should complement rather than replace human talent. In the case of Rideshare Simulator—a simulation game that aims to depict the everyday experiences of rideshare drivers—authenticity and relatable storytelling are essential. Sacco’s claim that her removal compromised the game’s narrative integrity resonates with concerns that AI‑generated copy may feel generic or disconnected from real‑world experiences.
Following the public exchange, Karch’s LinkedIn apology emphasized personal accountability. He admitted that his initial response was reactionary, saying he was “triggered” by later comments and acted without fully considering the ramifications. By acknowledging his mistake and pledging to “do what I can to rectify,” he signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue and possibly explore ways to make amends with Sacco.
The future of the dispute remains uncertain. Sacco indicated that she is open to accepting the apology but has yet to determine what form restitution might take. Potential outcomes could include a public acknowledgment of her contributions, a financial settlement, or a collaborative effort to ensure her original narrative vision is reflected in the final game. For gamers and industry observers, the situation serves as a case study in how studios navigate the evolving landscape of AI integration.
Transparency, clear communication, and respect for creative professionals appear to be key factors in maintaining trust. As AI continues to mature, developers will need to establish robust policies that balance efficiency gains with ethical considerations, ensuring that technology enhances rather than diminishes the human elements that make games compelling. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page is a direct response to a public controversy involving former lead writer Stella Sacco.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks, acknowledging that his reaction was impulsive and expressing a desire to correct the situation. The episode underscores the broader industry conversation about the role of AI in game development, the importance of transparency with consumers, and the need to honor the contributions of human creators even as studios experiment with new technological tools.