Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. This move comes after a heated debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project in order to substitute her contributions with AI‑generated text. The new notice is intended to provide transparency for players and to address concerns raised by the community and the media. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco claims she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through its development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI tools that were allegedly employed during the creation of the game." In a public statement, Karch responded to Sacco's allegations by saying that she "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He went on to say, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames. Karch also emphasized that the studio had already disclosed the use of AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down.
"We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be priced lower than many of our flagship releases, as a benefit for consumers," Karch explained. He suggested that AI could help streamline production, reduce costs, and ultimately allow the game to be sold at a more affordable price point, thereby reaching a broader audience. The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky 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 issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his emotional reaction to the situation. He wrote, "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 incident raises several broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, especially in video game development where narrative, dialogue, and world‑building have traditionally been the domain of human writers. Advocates of AI argue that tools like ChatGPT can accelerate content creation, assist with localization, and generate large volumes of placeholder text that can later be refined by human editors. Critics, however, warn that over‑reliance on AI could diminish the authenticity of storytelling, reduce job opportunities for writers, and create ethical dilemmas regarding attribution and transparency.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game's premise—a realistic simulation of rideshare driving—relies heavily on authentic dialogue and situational humor to immerse players. If AI was indeed used to replace a human writer, the question becomes whether the resulting content maintains the same level of nuance and cultural relevance that a seasoned writer could provide. The disclaimer now posted on Steam is an attempt by Saber Interactive to be forthright about these practices, but it also serves as a reminder that the industry is still grappling with how to balance efficiency gains from AI with the need for genuine human creativity.
From a consumer perspective, the inclusion of an AI disclaimer can be seen as a positive step toward informed purchasing decisions. Players who prefer games crafted entirely by human hands can now make a more educated choice, while those who are comfortable with AI‑assisted development can appreciate the studio's openness. Transparency in this area may also set a precedent for other developers, encouraging them to disclose AI usage in future titles.
The apology from Karch, while acknowledging his impulsive reaction, does not fully resolve the underlying concerns about employment practices and the ethical use of AI. Sacco's acceptance of the apology appears tentative; she notes that she needs time to process the situation and determine what a satisfactory resolution would look like. This ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of clear communication channels between companies and their employees, especially when emerging technologies disrupt traditional workflows. Looking ahead, the gaming community is likely to keep a close eye on how Saber Interactive implements AI in Rideshare Simulator and whether the final product reflects the promised benefits.
If the game succeeds in delivering a compelling experience at a lower price point, it could validate the studio's strategy of integrating AI as a cost‑saving measure. Conversely, if players perceive the AI‑generated content as lacking depth or authenticity, it could fuel further criticism and push the industry toward stricter guidelines for AI disclosure. In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator is a direct response to a controversy involving former writer Stella Sacco's claims of being replaced by AI.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks and admitted to reacting impulsively. The episode highlights the evolving conversation around AI's place in game development, the need for transparency, and the importance of respecting creative talent while exploring new technological tools. The outcome of this situation will likely influence how other studios approach AI integration and how players evaluate the authenticity of the experiences they purchase.