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 dispute erupted over accusations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools. The full wording of the new 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 these allegations, Karch issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation.
He claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect [he] would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO went on to say that he had never actually met or spoken with Sacco, noting, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." Karch also explained that Saber Interactive had already been transparent about employing AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he said, positioning the technology as a benefit rather than a controversy.
The dispute escalated on social media when Sacco posted on the BlueSky platform over the weekend, stating 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 responded publicly 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 admitted. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The controversy touches on broader industry concerns about the role of AI in creative processes. As game development tools become more sophisticated, studios are increasingly turning to machine‑learning models for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to writing dialogue and marketing copy. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and enable smaller teams to achieve results that previously required larger staff. Critics, however, warn that reliance on automated text generators may undermine the value of human writers, lead to homogenized narratives, and raise ethical questions about attribution and compensation.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the alleged replacement of a human writer with ChatGPT sparked a debate about whether AI-generated prose can match the nuance and authenticity that a dedicated writer brings to a simulation of everyday life. While the game's premise—allowing players to experience the challenges of driving for a ridesharing service—does not necessarily demand intricate storytelling, the inclusion of realistic dialogue, cultural references, and situational humor can greatly enhance immersion.
Sacco's supporters argue that her contributions were essential to crafting those subtle touches, and that removing her in favor of a language model diminishes the game's artistic integrity. From a legal standpoint, the situation also raises questions about employment contracts and the rights of workers whose output may be partially or wholly supplanted by AI. If a studio decides to replace a writer with an algorithm, does the original employee retain any claim to the resulting content? Current labor laws are still catching up with the rapid pace of AI adoption, leaving many gray areas that could be tested in future disputes.
Saber Interactive's decision to post an AI disclaimer can be seen as a pre‑emptive effort to align with emerging best practices. Several platforms, including Steam, have begun to require developers to disclose the use of AI in their products, especially when it influences gameplay, narrative, or visual assets. By being upfront about the technology, Saber hopes to mitigate backlash and maintain consumer trust.
The CEO's apology, though brief, signals an acknowledgement that the handling of the situation may have been mishandled. Karch's admission of reacting impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—suggests a recognition that his initial response was driven more by emotion than by measured consideration.
Whether this apology will translate into concrete actions, such as reinstating Sacco, offering compensation, or establishing clearer AI usage policies, remains to be seen. Industry observers will be watching how Saber Interactive navigates the fallout. The outcome could set a precedent for how studios communicate AI involvement and manage personnel changes linked to automation.
For now, the updated Steam page serves as a public record of the company's stance, and the ongoing dialogue between Karch, Sacco, and the broader gaming community continues to highlight the complex intersection of technology, creativity, and human labor in modern game development.