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 debate sparked by accusations that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with content generated by AI tools. The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco claims she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through production and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications during the game's creation." In the wake of these statements, Karch offered his own version of events. He asserted that Sacco "was replaced by a more skilled individual and terminated for a range of reasons a few months later," and he added, "In hindsight, I would have been comfortable replacing her work with AI." The CEO further explained his lack of personal familiarity with Sacco, saying, "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.
He emphasized that the studio had already disclosed its intention to employ AI for specific components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked in. Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We view our AI integration in this particular game as an added value for players," he said, suggesting that the technology could streamline development, reduce costs, and potentially enhance the gaming experience.
The controversy took another turn when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend. In her message, she noted that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "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 issued a public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding situation. "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 incident highlights several broader industry trends.
First, the increasing reliance on AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models for generating in‑game text, marketing copy, and even design documentation. While these technologies can accelerate production and lower costs, they also raise questions about authorship, transparency, and the treatment of human creators. When a writer feels replaced by a machine, the emotional and professional ramifications can be significant, as evidenced by Sacco's public statements.
Second, the episode underscores the importance of clear communication from publishers and developers regarding AI usage. Steam, as a major distribution platform, now hosts a disclaimer that informs potential buyers about the role AI played in the game's creation.
This level of disclosure is still relatively new in the gaming sector, and Saber Interactive's approach may set a precedent for other studios navigating similar ethical and legal gray areas. Third, the response from the CEO illustrates the challenges of crisis management in the digital age.
Karch's admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—reflects a candid, if imperfect, acknowledgment of human fallibility. His willingness to apologize publicly and to promise corrective actions may help mitigate damage to the company's reputation, but it also opens the door for continued scrutiny from both the gaming community and labor advocates.
From a legal standpoint, the situation could involve considerations around employment contracts, intellectual property rights, and potential claims of wrongful termination. If a writer's contributions are replaced by AI without proper acknowledgment or compensation, it may raise disputes over ownership of the generated content.
Companies must therefore establish clear policies that delineate how AI‑assisted work is credited and how human contributors are protected. For players, the practical impact of AI integration may be mixed. Some may appreciate faster updates, more dynamic dialogue, or richer procedural content that AI can help generate. Others may worry that AI could lead to generic or lower‑quality narratives, lacking the nuance that a seasoned writer brings.
The disclaimer on the Steam page serves as a transparent signal, allowing consumers to make an informed decision about whether they are comfortable supporting a product that utilizes AI in its development pipeline. In summary, Saber Interactive's addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam listing reflects a growing industry trend toward greater transparency about machine‑generated content.
CEO Matt Karch's public apology to former writer Stella Sacco, coupled with his candid admission of an emotional, hasty response, illustrates the human side of navigating new technology in creative fields. As AI continues to permeate game development, studios will need to balance efficiency gains with ethical considerations, clear communication, and respect for the professionals whose expertise remains essential to crafting compelling interactive experiences.