Saber Interactive has taken the step of attaching an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store listing for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted around claims that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game's page, is intended to clarify the studio’s current stance on the use of AI tools in the development process and to address the allegations that were raised publicly. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements 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 has alleged that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through its development and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT.
She also claims that additional, as‑yet‑unannounced AI technologies were employed during the creation of the game." In a public response, Karch attempted to refute the writer’s accusations. He asserted that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "In hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI if the situation called for it." He further explained that his knowledge of Sacco was limited, 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. Karch emphasized that the studio had already disclosed its intention to employ AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. "We view our use of AI in this particular title, which will be a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for consumers," Karch continued.
The CEO framed the integration of AI as a value‑adding measure rather than a cost‑cutting shortcut, suggesting that the technology could enhance the overall player experience without compromising quality. The controversy reached a new level when Sacco posted on the social platform 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 issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding dispute. 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 highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in creative workflows. As game studios increasingly experiment with language models, image generators, and procedural content tools, questions arise about authorship, transparency, and the ethical treatment of human contributors.
Critics argue that relying on AI to replace skilled writers can erode the artistic integrity of a project and marginalize the very talent that gives games their narrative depth. Proponents, on the other hand, point out that AI can accelerate certain production pipelines, reduce repetitive tasks, and free up human creators to focus on higher‑level design decisions. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as a more affordable title within Saber’s portfolio, which may have influenced the decision to explore cost‑effective AI solutions.
However, the backlash from Sacco and the subsequent public statements suggest that the studio may not have communicated its AI strategy as clearly as needed, leading to misunderstandings and personal grievances. The incident also underscores the importance of clear contractual language regarding AI usage.
Many employment agreements in the tech and entertainment sectors are beginning to include clauses that specify how AI‑generated content will be treated, who retains ownership, and what attribution is required. Without such safeguards, disputes like the one between Sacco and Saber can quickly become public and damage a company’s reputation. From a consumer perspective, the addition of the AI disclaimer on Steam serves as a form of transparency.
Players who are concerned about the authenticity of in‑game dialogue, story arcs, or marketing copy now have a visible statement that the studio is employing AI tools in certain areas. This move may help mitigate confusion and set expectations for the final product.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with both its former staff and its player community. The CEO’s public apology and the updated Steam notice are initial steps, but lasting resolution will likely require concrete actions—such as establishing a clear AI policy, offering compensation or acknowledgment to the displaced writer, and ensuring that future AI integration is accompanied by robust human oversight.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page follows a heated debate sparked by allegations that a former writer was replaced by a language model. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks, admitted to reacting impulsively, and pledged to make amends. The situation reflects the growing pains of an industry grappling with how to balance innovative AI technologies with the rights and contributions of human creators, and it serves as a cautionary tale for studios navigating this evolving landscape.