Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a clear AI usage disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated debate erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s storefront, is intended to address concerns raised by the gaming community and to provide transparency about the role artificial intelligence played during development. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its development cycle and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications used throughout the creation of the game." In a public statement, Matt Karch responded to the allegations by saying that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He went on to explain that the company had already acknowledged the use of AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. "We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers," Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames. When pressed for more detail, Karch admitted, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," referencing the AI model Claude that he uses for internal queries. This comment underscored the tension between the company's reliance on AI tools and the personal relationships—or lack thereof—between staff members. The controversy intensified after Sacco posted on 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 added a public comment on LinkedIn, where he reflected on his 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 situation raises broader questions about the growing influence of AI in video game development. While AI can accelerate content creation—producing dialogue, generating concept art, or even writing code—its use also brings ethical considerations, especially when it replaces human creators.
Critics argue that relying on AI may diminish the value of original storytelling and undermine the labor of writers who bring nuanced characters and narratives to life. In response to these concerns, several industry observers have called for clearer guidelines. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has previously suggested that studios disclose AI involvement in a transparent manner, ensuring players understand what portion of the experience is human‑crafted versus algorithm‑generated. Saber Interactive’s new disclaimer can be seen as a step toward meeting those expectations, though some argue it comes after the fact rather than as a proactive measure.
From a consumer perspective, the reaction has been mixed. Some players appreciate the honesty and view AI as a tool that can enhance gameplay, especially in lower‑budget titles where resources are limited.
Others feel betrayed, believing that the promise of a handcrafted experience was compromised when a writer was allegedly removed and replaced by a language model. The incident also highlights the personal dynamics within development teams. Sacco’s claim that she was removed mid‑project and substituted with ChatGPT suggests a possible shift in company culture, where cost‑saving technologies might be prioritized over human expertise. Karch’s admission that he acted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—adds a layer of accountability, indicating that emotions and rapid public reactions can exacerbate workplace disputes.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI policies. The company plans to release a more detailed report outlining which specific aspects of Rideshare Simulator were assisted by AI, ranging from procedural generation of cityscapes to dialogue assistance. This forthcoming transparency could set a precedent for other studios navigating the balance between innovative technology and traditional creative processes.
In summary, the controversy surrounding Rideshare Simulator underscores the delicate interplay between artificial intelligence, human talent, and public perception in the modern gaming industry. Saber Interactive’s decision to post an AI disclaimer and the CEO’s subsequent apology reflect an evolving understanding of how best to integrate emerging tools while respecting the contributions of individual creators. As the conversation continues, both developers and players will be watching closely to see how these policies shape the future of game development.