Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its upcoming 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 public dispute in which the company was accused of sidelining a human writer in favor of AI‑generated content. The controversy centers on former staff member Stella Sacco, who claims she was removed from the project midway and that her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications. The full text of the new AI disclaimer 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 a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Karch attempted to clarify his side of the story.
He asserted that Sacco "was 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." The CEO’s tone shifted from defensive to somewhat reflective when he told the podcast This Week In Videogames, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her. We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." Karch emphasized that the company views AI as a value‑adding tool, especially for a lower‑priced title like Rideshare Simulator. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers," he explained, suggesting that AI could help keep costs down while still delivering a polished experience.
The dispute escalated on the social‑media platform BlueSky, where Sacco posted a statement indicating 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 also took to LinkedIn to offer a personal explanation.
In his post 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 incident raises broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, especially video games where narrative, dialogue, and world‑building have traditionally relied on human writers. While AI tools like ChatGPT can generate large volumes of text quickly, critics argue that they lack the nuance, cultural awareness, and emotional depth that seasoned writers bring to a project. Proponents, on the other hand, claim that AI can serve as a useful assistant, handling repetitive or boilerplate tasks and freeing human talent to focus on higher‑level storytelling. Industry observers note that the controversy at Saber Interactive is not an isolated case.
Over the past year, several studios have faced scrutiny for undisclosed AI usage, prompting calls for greater transparency. Some developers have begun to label AI‑generated assets in their credits, while others have instituted internal policies that require human oversight before any AI‑produced material is published.
From a legal standpoint, the use of AI in copyrighted works is still a gray area. If an AI model is trained on existing copyrighted text, questions arise about ownership and whether the output can be considered original.
In the United States, the Copyright Office has stated that works created solely by AI without human authorship are not eligible for protection, which could have implications for games that heavily rely on AI‑written dialogue or scripts. For players and consumers, the key concern often revolves around authenticity. Many gamers value the personal touch that human writers infuse into characters and story arcs, and they may feel short‑changed if they discover that a beloved NPC’s lines were generated by an algorithm.
On the flip side, some players appreciate the efficiency and cost savings that AI can bring, potentially resulting in lower retail prices or more frequent content updates. Saber Interactive’s decision to add the AI disclaimer appears to be an effort to address these concerns head‑on.
By being upfront about the technology used, the studio hopes to maintain trust with its audience while still leveraging AI’s benefits. The company also indicated that the disclaimer will be updated as the feature set solidifies, suggesting that the AI integration is an ongoing process rather than a one‑off experiment. In the aftermath of the public exchange, both parties seem to be moving toward a tentative resolution.
Sacco’s acceptance of Karch’s apology, albeit with reservations, signals a willingness to close the chapter, while Karch’s acknowledgment of his impulsive reaction demonstrates a degree of accountability. Whether this reconciliation will lead to concrete changes in Saber’s development practices remains to be seen. Ultimately, the saga underscores the growing pains of an industry in transition.
As AI tools become more sophisticated and accessible, studios will need to navigate the fine line between innovation and ethical responsibility. Transparent communication, clear crediting, and respect for the contributions of human creators will likely be essential components of any successful integration of AI into game development.
For now, players interested in Rideshare Simulator can visit the Steam page to read the full AI disclaimer and stay informed about how the game’s narrative elements are being crafted. The ongoing dialogue between Saber Interactive, its former writer, and the broader gaming community serves as a reminder that technology, while powerful, must be wielded with care and consideration for the people behind the pixels.