Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a 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 stance on the use of machine‑learning tools in the development process and to address the controversy that has surrounded the project over the past several months.
The full wording of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber 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 Simulator team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed applications of AI throughout the game’s creation." In his public statements, Karch countered Sacco’s allegations by saying that she was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." He further elaborated during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, noting, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her.
We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain aspects of the game and will update the Steam page once the feature set is finalised." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We view our AI integration in this particular project as an added value for players," he said, suggesting that the technology could streamline development and potentially lower costs for the end user.
The dispute escalated on the social networking platform BlueSky, where Sacco posted a message indicating 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 comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. "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 broader industry context is worth noting.
Over the past few years, many game developers have experimented with AI tools ranging from procedural content generation to natural‑language processing for dialogue and marketing copy. While some studios tout the efficiency gains, others have faced backlash when AI use is perceived as replacing human talent without transparency. The controversy surrounding Saber Interactive highlights the delicate balance between leveraging cutting‑edge technology and maintaining ethical employment practices.
From a legal standpoint, the situation raises questions about contract obligations and intellectual property rights. If a writer is removed from a project and their work is supplanted by an algorithm, the original creator may have claims regarding attribution, compensation, or even wrongful termination, depending on the specifics of their employment agreement. In Sacco’s case, the timeline she provided—joining in July 2023 and departing a year later—suggests a relatively brief tenure, yet the public nature of the dispute could have lasting repercussions for both parties' reputations.
For consumers, the AI disclaimer serves as a signal that the final product may contain elements generated by machine learning models. This could influence player expectations, especially for those who value handcrafted narrative and design. Some gamers might appreciate the novelty of AI‑enhanced features, while others could view it as a cost‑cutting measure that undermines artistic integrity. The apology from Karch, albeit brief, attempts to mitigate the damage.
By acknowledging his impulsive reaction—"shot first and thought second"—he signals a willingness to reflect on his communication style. However, the apology does not directly address the core allegation that Sacco’s work was replaced by ChatGPT, leaving some ambiguity about the studio’s future policies on AI usage. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will update the Steam page once the AI‑related features are fully defined.
This suggests that the company is still in the process of integrating or finalising AI tools within Rideshare Simulator. Stakeholders—including investors, fans, and industry watchdogs—will likely monitor the upcoming updates to see whether the studio adopts a more transparent approach or continues to keep details under wraps. In summary, the addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam listing reflects a broader conversation about the role of artificial intelligence in game development, the rights of creative professionals, and the importance of clear communication from corporate leadership.
While CEO Matt Karch has offered an apology and admitted to a hasty response, the ultimate resolution will depend on how the studio balances technological innovation with respect for its human contributors, and how openly it shares those decisions with the gaming community.