Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated public dispute in which former writer Stella Sacco alleged that the company had dismissed her midway through production and substituted her contributions with text generated by ChatGPT, as well as hinted at other undisclosed AI applications throughout the project. The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent statements made by Saber Interactive’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco claims she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator team during development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by a large‑language model. Additional, previously unannounced uses of AI in the creation of the game have also been alleged." In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Karch attempted to address the 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." The CEO’s comments sparked further controversy, prompting him to elaborate during an appearance on the podcast This Week In Videogames.
There, he remarked, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," referring to the AI model Claude. He continued, "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 framed the decision to employ AI 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," he said, suggesting that automation could reduce costs and perhaps improve the overall experience.
The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on the social‑media 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, for his part, issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. "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 wrote.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The controversy highlights several broader industry trends. First, the increasing reliance on AI tools—such as large language models for writing dialogue, marketing copy, or even in‑game narrative elements—has raised questions about authorship, credit, and employment security for creative professionals. While AI can accelerate content creation and reduce costs, it also introduces ethical dilemmas when it replaces human writers without transparent communication.
Second, the episode underscores the importance of clear internal policies regarding AI usage. Many studios are still drafting guidelines that balance innovation with respect for the workforce. In Saber Interactive’s case, the lack of prior disclosure about AI’s role in Rideshare Simulator contributed to a perception of secrecy, fueling the backlash.
Third, the situation illustrates how quickly public opinion can shift when a company’s leadership appears dismissive or defensive. Karch’s initial remarks—particularly the flippant "Stella who?" comment—were interpreted by many as trivializing a colleague’s contributions and the seriousness of the allegations. His later apology, while a step toward reconciliation, arrived after significant reputational damage had already been done.
From a consumer perspective, the AI disclaimer may actually serve a useful purpose. Gamers increasingly care about the provenance of the content they engage with, and transparency can build trust. By openly acknowledging the presence of AI‑generated elements, Saber Interactive is aligning with a growing demand for honesty about development practices. Looking ahead, the industry will likely see more formalized standards for AI disclosure, perhaps even mandated by platform holders like Steam.
Such standards could require developers to label AI‑assisted assets, similar to how music streaming services label tracks that contain samples. For writers and other creatives, this could mean new contract clauses that guarantee credit or compensation when AI tools are employed.
In conclusion, Saber Interactive’s recent actions—a public AI disclaimer, a series of statements from CEO Matt Karch, and an apology to former writer Stella Sacco—reflect both the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in game development. While the company has taken steps to address the immediate controversy, the episode serves as a cautionary tale for other studios navigating the delicate balance between technological innovation and the human talent that traditionally drives storytelling in games. The industry’s next chapter will likely involve more robust dialogue about ethical AI use, transparent communication with both staff and players, and the establishment of best‑practice frameworks that protect creative workers while still embracing the efficiencies AI can provide.