Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had sidelined a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The controversy began when former employee Stella Sacco, who served as a writer on the project from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the development team midway through production and that her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT.
Sacco also suggested that other, still‑undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game's creation, raising questions about transparency, labor practices, and the ethical use of generative AI in the gaming industry. In reaction to these accusations, Saber Interactive’s chief executive, Matt Karch, issued a statement that both defended the company’s decisions and hinted at a willingness to use AI in the future. Karch claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, in a somewhat flippant tone, that "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s remarks were captured in an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, where he said, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain that the studio had already disclosed its intent to incorporate AI for certain aspects of the game and that a more detailed update would appear on the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title, describing the technology as "a plus for consumers." The dispute took a further turn when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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." Sacco’s statement underscored her belief that the factual basis of her claims had been validated, while also indicating that the path toward any form of restitution remained unclear. Karch, for his part, posted a separate comment on LinkedIn in which he attempted to explain his earlier, more confrontational remarks.
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." This candid admission highlighted the emotional intensity of the exchange and suggested that the CEO recognized his own misstep in handling the situation. The addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page serves as a concrete acknowledgment that the company is employing generative‑AI tools in the development process.
The disclaimer 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." By placing this notice prominently, Saber aims to provide transparency for potential buyers and to pre‑empt further criticism about undisclosed AI usage. The broader conversation touches on several important industry trends. First, the rise of AI writing assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, and others has prompted many studios to experiment with these tools for tasks ranging from narrative generation to bug‑report summarization.
While AI can accelerate production and reduce costs, it also raises concerns about the displacement of skilled human creators and the quality of the resulting content. Second, the incident underscores the growing expectation among gamers and journalists for clear disclosure when AI is involved in game creation.
In an era where authenticity and authorial voice are highly prized, hidden AI contributions can be perceived as deceptive. From a legal standpoint, the situation also raises potential questions about employment contracts, intellectual property rights, and the classification of AI‑generated text.
If a writer is replaced by an algorithm, does the studio retain full ownership of the output? Are there obligations to inform staff and the public about the extent of AI involvement? These are still open questions that the industry is grappling with.
For consumers, the practical impact of AI on Rideshare Simulator may be subtle. The game, marketed as an affordable simulation of ridesharing operations, promises a blend of realistic mechanics, city navigation, and passenger interaction. If AI is used to generate dialogue, mission descriptions, or procedural events, players might notice a more uniform or formulaic tone. However, the developers argue that AI can enhance the experience by providing more varied content without the need for extensive manual scripting.
Looking ahead, Saber Interactive’s handling of the controversy could serve as a case study for other studios navigating the delicate balance between innovation and responsibility. By publicly acknowledging AI use, issuing an apology, and attempting to make amends with the former writer, the company demonstrates a willingness to engage with criticism rather than ignore it. Whether this approach will restore trust among the community remains to be seen, but it does set a precedent for transparency.
In summary, Saber Interactive has now posted an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after a public dispute over the alleged replacement of writer Stella Sacco with ChatGPT and other AI tools. CEO Matt Karch has apologized for his earlier harsh comments, admitted to reacting impulsively, and expressed a desire to rectify the situation.
The incident highlights the broader industry challenges surrounding AI adoption, worker displacement, and the need for clear communication with both staff and consumers. As AI continues to permeate game development, studios will likely need to develop robust policies and disclosure practices to maintain credibility and uphold ethical standards.