Saber Interactive has taken the step of appending an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page 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 controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the project midway through development and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT. Sacco also suggested that additional, undisclosed AI tools had been employed during the creation of the game. In the wake of those accusations, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation.
He said that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, in hindsight, that he would have been comfortable substituting her role with an AI system. Karch’s remarks were captured in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed that certain aspects of the game would be powered by AI and that a formal update to the Steam page would be posted once the feature set was finalized.
According to Karch, the use of AI in this lower‑priced title is intended to be a benefit for consumers, offering cost savings and potentially faster content generation. The dispute escalated on the social‑media platform BlueSky, where Sacco posted 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." In a separate LinkedIn post, Karch attempted to explain his reaction, stating, "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 addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page reads in full: "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." The notice serves both as a response to the public outcry and as a pre‑emptive measure to comply with emerging industry standards that call for transparency when AI tools are used in game creation. The broader context of this incident reflects a growing tension within the video‑game industry over the role of artificial intelligence in creative workflows. While AI can accelerate tasks such as procedural generation, dialogue scripting, and texture creation, many creators worry that reliance on machine‑generated content could marginalise human talent, especially writers and artists whose nuanced storytelling abilities are difficult to replicate. Sacco’s claims touch on these concerns, suggesting that a human writer was not only replaced but also that the decision was motivated by cost or convenience rather than artistic merit.
Industry observers note that the use of AI in games is still a gray area legally and ethically. Some studios have begun to label AI‑assisted assets in their credits, while others remain vague, citing competitive advantage. In the United Kingdom, the Video Games Association has recommended that developers disclose AI usage to maintain consumer trust.
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission has hinted at future guidelines that could require clear labeling of AI‑generated content to avoid deceptive practices. Saber Interactive’s reaction—adding a disclaimer and issuing an apology—may be viewed as an attempt to align with these emerging expectations.
By publicly acknowledging the role of AI, the company hopes to mitigate reputational damage and reassure players that the final product will meet quality standards. However, critics argue that the apology appears more reactive than proactive, pointing out that the initial denial and the dismissive comment about "Stella who?" undermined trust.
The incident also raises questions about employment practices in tech‑driven creative fields. If AI can indeed replace certain writing tasks, studios must consider how to transition staff, provide reskilling opportunities, and maintain morale.
Sacco’s experience illustrates a scenario where a writer feels sidelined and subsequently forced out, a narrative that could become more common if companies do not address the human impact of automation. From a consumer standpoint, the disclosure may affect purchasing decisions. Players who value handcrafted narratives might be wary of a game that leans heavily on AI, fearing generic dialogue or lack of emotional depth. Conversely, budget‑conscious gamers could welcome the lower price point that AI efficiencies might enable, seeing it as a trade‑off worth making.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI usage disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator is a direct response to accusations that a former writer was replaced by ChatGPT and that other AI tools were used without prior notice. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology and explanation attempt to smooth over the fallout, acknowledging his impulsive reaction to criticism. The episode highlights the broader industry debate about transparency, the ethical treatment of creative staff, and the balance between technological advancement and human artistry.
As AI continues to permeate game development, studios will likely face increasing pressure to be forthright about its role, ensuring both consumer confidence and fair employment practices are upheld.