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. This move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools.
The full text of the new 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 the allegations, Karch issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation. He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, in hindsight, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s remarks suggested that the decision to bring in artificial‑intelligence‑generated copy was not a secret, but rather a strategic choice aimed at streamlining the production pipeline. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to confirm that the studio was indeed employing AI for specific components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he said, positioning the technology as a benefit rather than a controversy.
The dispute took another turn 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 responded publicly on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction.
"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 posted. "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify." The controversy touches on several broader industry trends. First, the growing reliance on AI for content creation—whether for narrative text, dialogue, or marketing copy—has sparked debate about the ethics of replacing human writers with algorithms. While AI can accelerate production and reduce costs, critics argue that it may diminish the authenticity and nuance that skilled writers bring to a project.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the alleged replacement of a human writer with ChatGPT raises questions about how studios balance efficiency with creative integrity. Second, the situation highlights the importance of transparent communication with both employees and the gaming community. When a company publicly acknowledges the use of AI, it can help set realistic expectations for players and avoid the perception of secrecy.
Saber Interactive's decision to add a disclaimer to the Steam page can be seen as an attempt to be forthright, but the timing—coming after a public dispute—suggests that the move was also a damage‑control measure. Third, the personal dynamics between Karch and Sacco illustrate how workplace disagreements can quickly become public in the age of social media.
Sacco's decision to share her perspective on BlueSky and Karch's subsequent LinkedIn apology demonstrate how executives and former employees can use these platforms to shape narratives and seek resolution. The exchange also underscores the need for clear internal policies regarding AI usage, employee termination, and public statements, to prevent misunderstandings from escalating. From a consumer standpoint, the disclaimer may influence purchasing decisions. Players who value handcrafted storytelling might view the AI involvement as a negative, while others may appreciate the potential for lower prices and faster updates that AI can enable.
By framing AI as a "plus for consumers," Saber Interactive is betting that the perceived benefits—such as quicker bug fixes, more frequent content drops, and reduced development costs—will outweigh any concerns about artistic authenticity. Looking ahead, the gaming industry is likely to see more studios experiment with AI tools, from procedural level design to voice synthesis. As this technology becomes more integrated, we can expect clearer guidelines from platform holders like Steam, as well as possible regulatory scrutiny regarding disclosure requirements.
The Saber Interactive episode could serve as a case study for how to (and how not to) manage AI transparency, employee relations, and public communication. In summary, Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an AI usage disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after a contentious exchange involving former writer Stella Sacco and CEO Matt Karch. Karch’s public apology and his admission of an impulsive reaction add a human dimension to the dispute, while the broader implications touch on ethical AI use, transparency, and the evolving expectations of gamers in an increasingly automated development landscape.