Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated debate erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who served as a writer on the project from July 2023 until July 2024, publicly alleged that she was removed from the development team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT. Sacco also suggested that other, still‑undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game's creation.
In reaction to these accusations, Saber Interactive’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a statement that attempted 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, looking back, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s remarks were captured in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he further explained his unfamiliarity with Sacco: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to note that the studio had already disclosed the use of AI for certain elements of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. The CEO framed the use of artificial intelligence 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," Karch said, suggesting that the technology could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience. The dispute escalated on social media when Sacco posted on the BlueSky platform 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 added a separate public comment 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 admitted.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam store page 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 notice serves both as a transparency measure for potential buyers and as a formal acknowledgment that AI tools have indeed played a role in the game's production. The episode touches on broader industry debates about the ethical use of AI in creative fields. As more studios experiment with language models, image generators, and procedural content tools, questions arise about authorship, compensation, and the potential displacement of human talent.
Critics argue that replacing a skilled writer with a machine undermines the artistic integrity of a project, while proponents contend that AI can augment human creativity, speed up iteration, and reduce costs for smaller‑budget titles. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game's positioning as an affordable, niche simulation may have influenced Saber Interactive’s decision to lean on AI. The company appears to view the technology as a way to deliver a functional product without the overhead associated with a larger writing staff. However, the public backlash demonstrates that audiences and industry peers are increasingly sensitive to how AI is disclosed and to what extent it replaces human contributors.
Stella Sacco’s allegations also raise legal and contractual considerations. If a writer is terminated and their work is subsequently supplanted by AI‑generated content, questions emerge about intellectual property rights, severance obligations, and the moral responsibility of the employer to provide clear communication about the role of AI in the workflow. While no lawsuits have been filed in this instance, the situation could set a precedent for future disputes as AI becomes more entrenched in game development pipelines.
Matt Karch’s apology, though publicly posted, leaves some ambiguity about concrete remedial actions. He expressed a desire to "make it right" with Sacco, but did not specify whether this would involve financial compensation, a public acknowledgment beyond the Steam disclaimer, or a revision of the game's credit list. The lack of detail has left observers wondering whether the apology is merely a PR gesture or the first step toward a more substantive resolution. The broader gaming community has responded with a mix of criticism and curiosity.
Some players appreciate the transparency and view the AI disclaimer as a responsible step, while others remain skeptical, fearing that the trend could lead to a slippery slope where human creativity is increasingly sidelined. Forums and social media threads have sparked discussions about best practices for AI disclosure, the ethical treatment of staff, and the potential need for industry standards or regulations governing AI usage. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to append an AI usage notice to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an attempt to address mounting concerns over the replacement of a human writer with a language model. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former lead writer Stella Sacco acknowledges a misstep in communication, yet the specifics of any reparative measures remain unclear.
The incident underscores the evolving conversation about artificial intelligence in game development, highlighting the tension between cost‑saving innovations and the preservation of human talent and creative integrity. As AI tools become more capable and accessible, the industry will likely continue to grapple with how to balance efficiency, transparency, and respect for the professionals who craft the stories and experiences that gamers love.