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. The move comes after a heated debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text.
The new notice, which is now visible to anyone browsing the game’s storefront, acknowledges the involvement of AI tools and promises further clarification once the company finalises its feature set. The controversy began when former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, publicly claimed that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently handed over to ChatGPT.
Sacco also alleged that the studio had employed additional, undisclosed AI technologies in other aspects of the game’s creation, raising concerns about transparency and the treatment of creative staff. In response to these allegations, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a statement that attempted to address both the personnel change and the broader AI question. Karch said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." The phrasing of this comment was widely interpreted as dismissive, fueling further criticism from industry observers and fans alike.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared to distance himself from any personal familiarity with Sacco. He remarked, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," referencing Claude, an AI model, as a tongue‑in‑cheek way of saying he did not know the writer personally.
He went on to say, "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." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating that the technology would be a "plus for consumers" especially because Rideshare is positioned as a lower‑priced title. The situation escalated when Sacco posted on the social network 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." Sacco's statement suggested a tentative acceptance of the apology while also highlighting the lingering uncertainty about any concrete reparations or next steps.
Karch later posted a separate comment on LinkedIn, offering a more personal reflection on his reaction to the unfolding drama. 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," acknowledging that his initial reply was impulsive.
He added, "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify," implying that he had taken steps to address the fallout, though he did not detail what those steps entailed. The broader industry context is worth noting.
Over the past few years, game developers have increasingly experimented with AI for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to narrative writing. While AI can accelerate production and reduce costs, it also raises ethical questions about authorship, compensation, and the potential displacement of human creatives. Many studios have adopted policies that require disclosure when AI is used, but the standards for what constitutes a sufficient notice vary widely.
In Saber Interactive's case, the addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page appears to be an effort to align with emerging best practices and to quell the backlash. The notice reads in part: "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." By explicitly referencing the controversy, the studio signals that it is taking the public conversation seriously. Critics, however, argue that a simple disclaimer does not address the underlying issues of workplace treatment and transparency. They point out that the original claim—that a human writer was replaced by an AI model—touches on deeper concerns about how studios value creative labor.
If a writer can be swapped out for a machine without clear communication or consent, it could set a precedent that undermines the bargaining power of writers, artists, and designers across the industry. From a consumer standpoint, the impact of AI on a game like Rideshare Simulator could be mixed. On one hand, AI‑generated dialogue and mission descriptions might allow for a larger variety of content, potentially enhancing replayability.
On the other hand, players may notice a loss of nuance, humor, or emotional resonance that typically comes from human‑crafted storytelling. The promise that AI will be a "plus for consumers" remains to be tested once the final product is released and players can evaluate the quality of the AI‑infused elements. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will provide further updates once the feature set is locked in. This suggests that the current disclaimer is a provisional measure, and the studio may refine its AI usage policies as development progresses.
For now, the company appears to be navigating a delicate balance: embracing cutting‑edge technology while attempting to repair relationships with former staff and maintain public trust. In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects a reactive but necessary step in a larger conversation about AI in game development.
CEO Matt Karch's public apology to former writer Stella Sacco acknowledges a misstep in communication, yet the incident underscores the need for clearer guidelines and more respectful treatment of creative professionals when integrating AI tools. As the industry continues to explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence, the outcomes of this particular case may serve as a reference point for how studios handle transparency, accountability, and the human element in an increasingly automated creative landscape.