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. The move comes after a heated dispute that erupted when former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was removed from the project and substituted with content generated by ChatGPT, sparking accusations that the studio had replaced human talent with machine‑written copy without proper acknowledgment. The full text of the newly added 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 the wake of Sacco’s allegations, Karch issued a public statement attempting to clarify the situation.
He asserted that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s remarks were recorded during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he further explained his unfamiliarity with Sacco’s work. "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch said, referencing the AI chatbot Claude. He continued, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he explained, suggesting that the technology would allow the studio to deliver more content or polish within a modest budget.
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 also responded publicly on LinkedIn, offering a candid reflection on his own behavior. "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 episode highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative fields.
As game developers experiment with large language models to generate dialogue, quest descriptions, marketing copy, and even code snippets, questions arise regarding transparency, attribution, and the ethical treatment of human staff. Critics argue that replacing a writer with an AI model without clear disclosure can undermine professional standards and erode trust among both employees and players.
For Saber Interactive, the decision to add the disclaimer appears to be a damage‑control measure aimed at restoring credibility. By openly acknowledging the presence of AI‑generated elements, the studio hopes to pre‑empt further accusations and reassure consumers that they are being honest about the production process.
The disclaimer also serves as a legal safeguard, as several jurisdictions are beginning to consider regulations that would require companies to label AI‑created content. From a business perspective, leveraging AI can indeed lower costs, especially for smaller or mid‑tier projects where budgets are tight. Automated text generation can speed up the creation of repetitive in‑game signage, tutorial prompts, or filler dialogue, freeing human writers to focus on more nuanced storytelling.
However, the technology is not yet a perfect substitute for the creativity, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resonance that seasoned writers bring to a narrative. Stella Sacco’s experience underscores the personal impact of these corporate decisions. According to her timeline, she joined Saber in July 2023 and contributed to the early phases of Rideshare Simulator’s development.
By mid‑2024, she alleges that her role was abruptly terminated and her responsibilities were handed over to an AI system. While Karch claims the replacement was due to performance considerations, the lack of clear communication and the subsequent public dispute suggest a breakdown in internal processes. The incident also raises the question of how studios should handle the transition from human‑crafted to AI‑assisted content. Best practices emerging from industry panels recommend establishing clear policies that define when AI may be used, how its output should be reviewed, and how credit should be assigned.
Transparency with the community—through updates on platforms like Steam, social media, or developer blogs—can mitigate backlash and foster a collaborative relationship with players who increasingly value authenticity. In the weeks ahead, Saber Interactive is expected to finalize the feature set for Rideshare Simulator and update the Steam page accordingly. The company may also need to address internal morale, ensuring that remaining staff feel secure and respected after the public fallout. For the wider gaming community, the saga serves as a cautionary tale about the rapid integration of AI tools and the importance of maintaining open dialogue between leadership, creators, and audiences.
Ultimately, the resolution will depend on whether Karch’s apology and the studio’s revised disclosure satisfy both the former writer and the broader public. If the company can demonstrate that AI is being used responsibly—enhancing the game without compromising the integrity of its narrative—then the controversy may subside. Conversely, continued opacity or further disputes could damage Saber’s reputation and spark renewed calls for stricter industry standards regarding AI usage. As the conversation around AI in gaming continues to evolve, developers, writers, and players alike will be watching closely to see how Saber Interactive navigates this delicate balance between technological innovation and human creativity.