Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, to include a clear statement 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 AI‑generated text, specifically from ChatGPT, and suggested that other, undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the creation of the game.
The full disclaimer now 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 had been hired as the lead narrative designer for Rideshare Simulator, publicly alleged that her contract was abruptly terminated after she raised concerns about the increasing reliance on AI‑generated content. According to her statements, the company not only swapped her out for a language model but also employed AI tools in other areas of production without informing the team or the public. Sacco’s claims quickly spread across gaming forums and social media, prompting a wave of criticism toward Saber Interactive for what many perceived as a lack of transparency and respect for creative professionals.
Matt Karch, the chief executive officer of Saber Interactive, responded in a series of interviews and social‑media posts. He initially downplayed the allegations, saying that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later." He later added a more reflective comment, acknowledging that, in hindsight, he might have considered using AI to fill the gap left by Sacco’s departure. "In retrospect, I would have been happy to replace her with AI," Karch said, a remark that only intensified the backlash. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch attempted to distance himself from the former writer, stating, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He explained that the company had already disclosed its intention to use AI for certain aspects 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 added, framing AI integration as a benefit rather than a controversy.
The situation escalated when Sacco posted on the social networking platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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, attempting to explain his earlier 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 wrote.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The dispute highlights a broader industry debate about the role of AI in creative fields.
While some developers argue that AI can streamline production, reduce costs, and enable rapid prototyping, many writers, artists, and designers worry that reliance on machine‑generated content may erode the value of human creativity and lead to job displacement. In the gaming sector, where narrative depth and player immersion often hinge on nuanced storytelling, the stakes are particularly high. Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Steam page can be seen as an attempt to bring clarity to the public and to pre‑empt further criticism.
The notice acknowledges that AI tools have been used, but it frames the technology as a consumer benefit, especially for a title positioned at a lower price point. This positioning suggests that the company believes AI can help keep the game affordable while still delivering a compelling experience. Critics, however, remain skeptical. Many point out that the timing of the disclaimer—coming after a public outcry—indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach to transparency.
They argue that developers should disclose AI usage from the outset, allowing players to make informed decisions about the products they purchase. Moreover, the handling of Sacco’s departure raises questions about workplace practices and the treatment of creative talent when companies opt for cost‑saving technologies. In the weeks ahead, the gaming community will be watching how Saber Interactive follows through on its promises. Will the company provide detailed information about which parts of Rideshare Simulator were generated by AI?
Will there be any restitution or acknowledgment for Sacco’s contributions, if any, to the early stages of the project? And how will the broader industry respond to the growing pressure to balance innovation with ethical labor practices?
For now, the AI disclaimer stands as a public record of the company’s stance. It serves both as an admission of AI involvement and as a strategic move to mitigate reputational damage. Whether this approach satisfies players, industry observers, and former employees remains to be seen, but it undeniably adds another chapter to the ongoing conversation about the future of AI in game development.