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 that erupted when former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was removed from the project and replaced by content generated by ChatGPT, along with allegations that the studio had employed AI tools in other, undisclosed parts of the production pipeline.
The full text of the new AI 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 response, Karch stated 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 controversy began when Sacco, who served as a lead writer on the simulation, posted a series of messages on the social platform BlueSky detailing her experience.
According to her account, she was hired in mid‑2023 and contributed to the narrative, dialogue, and mission design for several months. Midway through the production schedule, however, she says she was abruptly taken off the project and her responsibilities were handed over to a language model, specifically OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Sacco also alleged that the studio had been using AI‑generated assets and design suggestions in other areas of the game without informing the public or the development team. Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded publicly to these accusations.
In an interview with the video‑games podcast "This Week In Videogames," Karch 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 company had indeed decided to incorporate AI for certain components of the simulation, describing the technology as a "consumer‑friendly" feature for a lower‑priced title. Karch promised to update the Steam page once the AI‑related features were finalized, emphasizing that the use of AI would be presented as a benefit rather than a hidden shortcut.
The CEO's remarks sparked further backlash, prompting Sacco to issue a follow‑up post on BlueSky over the weekend. In that message, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "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 posted a more reflective statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. 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 highlights several broader industry trends.
First, the increasing reliance on AI tools for content generation—ranging from narrative text to procedural level design—has raised ethical questions about authorship, credit, and compensation. While many studios tout AI as a cost‑saving measure, critics argue that replacing human writers with machine‑generated prose can diminish the creative integrity of a project and marginalize the professionals who have honed their craft over years.
Second, the episode underscores the importance of transparent communication with both employees and the gaming community. When a company chooses to integrate AI into a product, especially one that is marketed as a narrative‑driven experience, players often expect disclosure.
Failure to do so can erode trust, as seen in the backlash against Saber Interactive. Third, the situation serves as a case study in crisis management.
Karch's initial defensive posture—questioning Sacco's existence and downplaying the issue—was met with criticism, prompting a more conciliatory tone later on. His admission that he reacted impulsively and his subsequent apology illustrate a shift toward taking responsibility, a step that may help repair the studio's reputation. From a legal standpoint, the allegations also raise potential concerns about employment contracts and intellectual property rights.
If a writer's contributions are replaced by AI without proper notice or compensation, it could be construed as a breach of contract or unfair labor practice, depending on jurisdiction. Companies are increasingly being urged to draft clear policies that outline how AI will be used in the creative process and how credit will be allocated. For gamers, the practical impact of AI on Rideshare Simulator may be mixed.
On one hand, AI can generate varied dialogue options, dynamic traffic scenarios, and adaptive mission objectives, potentially enriching the gameplay experience. On the other hand, overly generic or repetitive AI‑crafted text could diminish immersion, especially in a simulation that aims to capture the nuanced world of ride‑hailing services. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive's decision to add an explicit AI disclaimer signals a recognition that transparency is becoming a market expectation. By informing players directly on the Steam page, the studio hopes to preempt further controversy and demonstrate a commitment to ethical AI usage.
Whether this approach will satisfy the community remains to be seen, but it does set a precedent for other developers navigating the complex intersection of creativity, technology, and labor rights. In summary, the saga surrounding Rideshare Simulator involves a former writer's claim of being supplanted by ChatGPT, a CEO's initially dismissive response, a subsequent public apology, and the eventual addition of an AI usage notice on the game's storefront. The episode reflects larger conversations about AI in game development, the need for clear communication, and the responsibilities of studios toward their creative staff. As the industry continues to experiment with AI, cases like this will likely shape policies and public perception for years to come.