Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a formal disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text.
The new notice reads in full: "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." The controversy began when former employee Stella Sacco, who served as a lead writer on Rideshare Simulator, publicly alleged that she was taken off the project part‑way through production and that her responsibilities were handed over to a version of ChatGPT. Sacco further suggested that the studio had employed additional, undisclosed AI tools throughout the creation of the game.
Her statements quickly spread across social media and gaming news outlets, prompting a wave of criticism aimed at Saber Interactive for what many perceived as a disregard for human creative labor. In response, CEO Matt Karch issued a statement defending the company's actions.
He claimed that Sacco had "been replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch's remarks were intended to clarify that the decision to part ways with Sacco was not solely motivated by a desire to cut costs with automation, but he also hinted that, looking back, the studio might have considered AI as a viable alternative. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further downplayed his personal connection to Sacco, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He explained that the company had already announced the use of AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized.
Karch framed the AI integration as a consumer benefit, stating, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." The situation escalated when Sacco posted on 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 separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. He admitted, "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 episode touches on several broader industry trends. First, the increasing reliance on AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other language models for writing dialogue, quest descriptions, and even marketing copy has sparked debate about the future role of human writers. While AI can accelerate content generation and reduce costs, many creators argue that it lacks the nuance, cultural awareness, and emotional depth that seasoned writers bring to a project. The controversy at Saber illustrates how quickly these tensions can become public when a studio appears to prioritize automation over its staff.
Second, the incident highlights the importance of transparency. Gamers and industry observers have grown more vigilant about how studios disclose AI usage, demanding clear labeling on storefronts, in credits, and in promotional materials.
By adding a disclaimer to the Steam page, Saber is attempting to meet that demand, but critics may view the timing as reactive rather than proactive. Finally, the personal dynamics between Karch and Sacco reveal how high‑pressure environments can lead to miscommunication and hurt feelings. Karch's admission that he "shot first and thought second" suggests a lapse in judgment that many leaders in fast‑moving tech companies might recognize. His public apology and willingness to discuss remediation may help rebuild trust, but the long‑term impact on Saber’s reputation will depend on whether the studio follows through with concrete policies that protect writers and clarify AI’s role.
In the weeks ahead, the gaming community will likely monitor how Saber implements its AI disclaimer, whether additional details about the specific tools and processes are released, and how the company supports its remaining creative staff. For aspiring writers, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the evolving landscape of narrative design, where proficiency with AI tools may become as essential as traditional storytelling skills. Overall, the Rideshare Simulator controversy underscores a pivotal moment in the industry: the balance between embracing cutting‑edge technology and honoring the human talent that has traditionally driven game narratives. As studios like Saber navigate this transition, transparency, respectful communication, and clear ethical guidelines will be crucial to maintaining both creative integrity and consumer confidence.