Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal AI usage disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy surrounding accusations that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, now visible on the game’s page, seeks to clarify the studio’s stance on artificial‑intelligence tools and to address the allegations that have been circulating online. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments 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 has claimed 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 statements, Karch offered his own version of events. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "In retrospect, I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He further elaborated during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her. We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting, "We view our AI integration in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a plus for players." The dispute resurfaced over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, 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 issued a public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own lapse in judgment. He confessed, "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 situation highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative processes. While many developers tout AI as a tool that can speed up asset creation, script drafting, and even level design, critics worry that reliance on algorithms may sideline human talent and erode the authenticity of narrative-driven games.
In this case, the allegation that a human writer was removed and supplanted by a language model has ignited debate about fairness, transparency, and the ethical limits of automation. From a legal perspective, employment contracts often contain clauses about intellectual property and confidentiality, and the sudden substitution of a writer with an algorithm could raise questions about breach of contract or wrongful termination. However, the details of Sacco's employment agreement have not been made public, leaving much of the discussion in the realm of public opinion and corporate policy. Saber Interactive's decision to publish an AI disclaimer can be seen as an effort to pre‑empt further backlash.
By openly acknowledging the presence of AI tools, the studio aims to align with emerging best practices that call for clear labeling of AI‑generated content. Some platforms, such as Apple’s App Store and certain European regulators, are already moving toward mandatory disclosures for AI usage, suggesting that Saber may be positioning itself ahead of potential regulatory requirements.
The CEO’s apology, while sincere in tone, also underscores the challenges leaders face when navigating fast‑moving public relations crises. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—reflects a common pattern where executives respond emotionally to criticism before fully assessing the facts. His subsequent pledge to rectify the situation indicates an attempt to rebuild trust with both the former writer and the broader gaming community. Industry observers note that this incident could serve as a cautionary tale for other studios.
Transparency about AI involvement, clear communication with staff, and respectful handling of personnel changes are likely to become increasingly important as AI tools become more sophisticated and pervasive. Companies that fail to address these issues proactively may find themselves facing not only public criticism but also potential legal scrutiny. In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to a controversy involving alleged AI replacement of a human writer by adding a detailed disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator, clarifying its use of AI, and by having CEO Matt Karch publicly apologize to former writer Stella Sacco.
The episode adds to the ongoing dialogue about the ethical and practical implications of AI in game development, emphasizing the need for openness, fairness, and careful management of both technology and talent.