Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page for its 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 dispute erupted over claims that the company had removed a human writer from the project and substituted her work with text generated by AI tools.
The controversy centers on former staff member Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, and who alleges that she was dismissed midway through the creation of Rideshare and that her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT. In addition, Sacco has suggested that other, still‑undisclosed aspects of the game may have been produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The full text of the newly added 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." By placing this statement on the Steam page, Saber hopes to provide transparency for players who may be concerned about the extent to which machine‑generated content is present in the final product. In the wake of Sacco’s accusations, Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, responded publicly.
He claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that, looking back, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s remarks were delivered during an interview with the online show This Week In Videogames, where he appeared somewhat flustered. When 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," indicating that he could not recall any direct interaction with the former writer. He also reiterated that Saber was already employing AI for specific components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the full feature set was locked down. Karch framed the use of AI as a benefit for consumers, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title.
He argued that integrating AI tools could reduce production costs and potentially lower the retail price, thereby delivering added value to players. However, critics have pointed out that the ethical considerations surrounding the replacement of human creative labor with algorithms remain unresolved, and that transparency is essential to maintain trust with the gaming community.
The dispute took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted a message on the social platform BlueSky. In her statement, she said 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." Sacco’s words suggest that while she acknowledges the apology, she remains uncertain about any concrete steps that might follow.
Karch later issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, attempting to explain his earlier reaction. He wrote, "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." This admission highlights a moment of impulsive behavior on Karch’s part, followed by an effort to make amends. The broader conversation about AI in video game development has intensified in recent months. Developers are increasingly turning to large language models, image generators, and procedural content systems to streamline production pipelines.
Proponents argue that AI can handle repetitive tasks, generate placeholder assets quickly, and even assist with narrative drafting, freeing human creators to focus on higher‑level design decisions. Detractors, however, warn that reliance on AI may erode job security for writers, artists, and other creative professionals, and that the technology can produce content that lacks nuance, cultural sensitivity, or originality. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the specific AI applications remain somewhat vague. Saber Interactive has indicated that AI is being used for "certain parts of the game," but has not disclosed whether this includes dialogue, mission descriptions, UI text, or other narrative elements.
The company’s promise to update the Steam page once the feature set is finalised suggests that more detailed information may be forthcoming. Until then, players who are curious—or concerned—about the presence of AI‑generated material will need to rely on the current disclaimer and any future statements from Saber.
From an industry perspective, this episode serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of clear communication when integrating new technologies into creative workflows. Companies that choose to adopt AI must consider how to acknowledge the contributions of human staff, how to handle transitions when personnel changes occur, and how to maintain transparency with their audience. Failure to do so can lead to public disputes, reputational damage, and potential legal ramifications if contractual obligations regarding authorship and credit are not honored.
For Sacco, the experience has been both professionally and personally challenging. She has publicly maintained that her claims are accurate, and she appears to be waiting for tangible actions from Saber beyond a verbal apology. Whether the company will offer compensation, reinstatement, or a formal acknowledgment of her work remains to be seen. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an effort to address community concerns after a contentious exchange involving former writer Stella Sacco and CEO Matt Karch.
Karch’s apology, delivered via both a social‑media platform and a professional networking site, acknowledges a lapse in judgment and a desire to make amends. The situation underscores the growing pains of integrating AI into game development and the need for clear, honest communication with both staff and players. As the industry continues to explore the capabilities and limits of artificial intelligence, cases like this will likely shape policies, best practices, and public expectations for years to come.