Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam listing for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a formal disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game’s development. This move comes after a heated debate sparked by claims that the studio had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text.
The new notice 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 controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who served as the lead writer on the project for roughly a year, publicly alleged that she was taken off the Rideshare Simulator team partway through production. According to Sacco, her departure was not the result of a normal personnel decision but rather a deliberate choice by the company to substitute her work with output generated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. She further suggested that additional, undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game’s creation, raising questions about transparency, authorship, and the ethical treatment of creative talent.
In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, CEO Matt Karch responded to these accusations. He asserted that Sacco had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, in retrospect, that he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s statements were striking not only for their bluntness but also for the implication that the studio viewed AI as a viable, even preferable, substitute for human writers when cost or speed became a factor. During an episode of the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch was asked about his familiarity with Sacco.
He replied, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." The reference to Claude—another AI model—served as a tongue‑in‑cheek acknowledgment that his knowledge of the former writer was limited to digital sources rather than personal interaction. He went on to say, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting that Rideshare Simulator would be a lower‑priced title and that incorporating AI could help keep the final price down while still delivering a polished experience. He argued that AI tools could streamline certain repetitive tasks, such as generating placeholder dialogue, procedural mission descriptions, or in‑game signage, thereby freeing human designers to focus on higher‑level creative decisions.
The situation took another turn when Sacco posted on the social‑networking platform BlueSky over the weekend. In her message, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "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 public comment on LinkedIn, where 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 exchange highlights several broader industry trends. First, the rapid adoption of generative AI tools is reshaping how games are written, designed, and tested. Studios are experimenting with AI to draft quest outlines, generate NPC chatter, and even prototype level geometry.
While these technologies can accelerate development cycles and reduce costs, they also raise concerns about the displacement of skilled writers, artists, and programmers. The ethical question of whether a company should replace a human creative professional with a machine—especially without transparent communication—remains hotly debated.
Second, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication with both employees and the public. When a high‑profile staff member publicly alleges unfair treatment, the company’s response can influence community perception, investor confidence, and future talent recruitment. In this case, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Steam page can be seen as an attempt to regain trust by being upfront about the role AI plays in the product. Third, the personal dynamics between Karch and Sacco illustrate how quickly emotions can flare in the age of instant social media.
Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—reflects a common human tendency to respond defensively when faced with criticism. His acknowledgment of this misstep, paired with an apology, may help mitigate some of the reputational damage, but it also serves as a cautionary tale for executives navigating public disputes. From a consumer perspective, the AI disclaimer may affect purchasing decisions.
Some players welcome the integration of cutting‑edge technology, believing it can enhance immersion or provide fresh content. Others remain skeptical, fearing that AI‑generated writing could lead to generic, repetitive dialogue lacking the nuance and emotional depth that human writers bring. The disclaimer gives players the information they need to make an informed choice about whether they want to support a product that incorporates AI at its core. Looking ahead, the gaming industry is likely to see more explicit disclosures about AI usage, especially as regulatory bodies begin to consider guidelines for transparency in digital media.
Studios may adopt standardized labeling practices, similar to nutrition facts on food packaging, to inform consumers about the proportion of AI‑generated versus human‑crafted content. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam page follows a contentious episode involving former writer Stella Sacco, accusations of AI substitution, and a public apology from CEO Matt Karch.
The incident shines a light on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in game development, the necessity for transparent communication, and the human element that remains at the heart of creative collaboration. As the industry continues to integrate AI tools, both developers and players will need to navigate the balance between technological efficiency and artistic integrity.