Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a clear 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, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s page, serves as both a transparency measure and a response to mounting public scrutiny.
The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber 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 the wake of these accusations, Karch offered his own version of events. He claimed that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, somewhat controversially, that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." This statement sparked further debate about the ethical boundaries of AI in game development and the treatment of human staff.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared flummoxed by the name of the former writer. "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he said, referencing the AI model Claude.
He went on to explain that Saber had already announced the use of AI for specific components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. "We view our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a benefit for consumers," Karch asserted, positioning AI as a cost‑saving measure that could potentially lower the retail price for players. The controversy took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, 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, for his part, issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his impulsive 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 wrote. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The incident raises broader questions about the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries. While AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and other language models can accelerate content generation, they also introduce ethical dilemmas when they replace human contributors.
Critics argue that relying on AI for narrative elements can diminish the authenticity and emotional resonance that human writers bring to a project. Supporters, however, point out that AI can handle repetitive or technical writing tasks, freeing up human talent to focus on higher‑level design and storytelling. In the gaming sector, the use of AI is still a relatively new frontier. Some studios have begun experimenting with AI‑generated textures, procedural level design, and even voice synthesis.
Yet, the practice of substituting a writer entirely with an AI model remains controversial, especially when the transition occurs without transparent communication to the affected employee or the public. From a legal standpoint, the situation also touches on employment law and intellectual property rights. If a writer’s contributions are replaced by AI, questions arise about compensation, credit, and the ownership of the final product. In many jurisdictions, workers are entitled to notice and severance when terminated, and the use of AI does not automatically absolve a company of those obligations.
Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam page can be seen as an attempt to pre‑empt further backlash and to comply with emerging industry standards that call for disclosure of AI involvement. Several major platforms, including Apple’s App Store and Google Play, have begun requiring developers to label AI‑generated content, and Steam appears to be moving in a similar direction. The public reaction to the apology has been mixed. Some fans appreciate Karch’s willingness to acknowledge his mistake and to promise corrective action, while others remain skeptical, viewing the apology as a PR maneuver rather than a genuine commitment to change.
The gaming community continues to debate whether AI should be embraced as a tool for efficiency or resisted as a threat to creative employment. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive may need to develop clearer policies regarding AI usage, staff communication, and transparency with consumers.
Implementing a robust internal review process, offering training for employees on AI tools, and establishing a clear credit system for AI‑assisted work could help mitigate future controversies. In summary, the saga involving Saber Interactive, Rideshare Simulator, and former writer Stella Sacco underscores the growing pains of integrating artificial intelligence into game development. The company’s new disclaimer, the CEO’s public apology, and the ongoing dialogue about ethical AI practices all point to an industry at a crossroads, grappling with how to balance technological innovation with respect for human talent and consumer trust.