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. The move comes after a heated debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of AI‑generated text. In the original notice, the company acknowledges the controversy and outlines the steps it is taking to be transparent with its audience.
The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco claims she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI tools used during development. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was replaced by a colleague he considered more skilled and that her employment was terminated for multiple reasons a few months later. He added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI.
"Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch told the podcast This Week In Videogames. "We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain aspects of the game and will revise the Steam page once the feature set is finalised." "We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers." The situation escalated when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, stating that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "From the beginning I have stood firm that my account was truthful; it now appears that the facts support my version. Matt expressed a desire to make amends, but I am still figuring out what that looks like for me.
I need some time to process it, though I do accept his apology." Karch later added a public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. "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 said.
"It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify the situation." The controversy highlights a broader industry debate about the role of AI in creative workflows. As game development tools become increasingly sophisticated, studios are experimenting with machine‑learning models to generate dialogue, level design ideas, and even entire narrative arcs. Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and enable smaller teams to achieve ambitions that would otherwise be out of reach.
Critics, however, warn that reliance on algorithms may undermine the value of human writers, artists, and designers, potentially eroding the unique voice and cultural nuance that only people can provide. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as an affordable, accessible experience that simulates the day‑to‑day challenges of a rideshare driver.
By labeling the title as "lower priced," Saber Interactive appears to be framing AI integration as a cost‑saving measure that ultimately benefits players through a lower purchase price. The company’s public statements suggest they see AI not as a replacement for talent but as a complementary tool that can enhance certain aspects of development while keeping the final product affordable. Stella Sacco’s tenure at Saber Interactive spanned roughly a year, during which she reportedly contributed to the narrative framework of Rideshare Simulator.
According to her account, her involvement was cut short, and the studio opted to employ ChatGPT—a widely used language model—to fill the gap. This claim raised concerns among industry observers about the ethical implications of dismissing a human writer in favor of an algorithm, especially when the decision appears to be driven by budget considerations rather than creative necessity. Matt Karch’s response has been a mixture of clarification and contrition. While he defended the decision to replace Sacco with a colleague he deemed more capable, he also admitted that, in hindsight, he might have opted for an AI solution.
His admission that he was "triggered" by subsequent commentary and reacted impulsively adds a personal dimension to the dispute, suggesting that the public backlash influenced his tone. The incident has prompted a broader conversation on professional conduct within the gaming industry. Many commentators have pointed out that dismissing a writer without transparent communication can damage a studio’s reputation and erode trust among both employees and the gaming community. Moreover, the use of AI in narrative creation raises questions about authorship, intellectual property, and the responsibility of studios to credit human contributors appropriately.
In response to the fallout, Saber Interactive has pledged to update the Steam page once the AI‑related features are fully defined, indicating an ongoing commitment to transparency. The company also emphasized that AI will be used for "certain parts of the game," implying that core storytelling and character development may still rely on human input.
This nuanced stance reflects an emerging industry trend where AI is positioned as a supportive technology rather than a wholesale replacement for creative talent. Looking ahead, the Rideshare Simulator controversy may serve as a case study for other developers navigating the integration of AI into their pipelines.
Studios will need to balance the efficiency gains offered by machine‑learning tools with the ethical considerations of workforce management and creative integrity. Clear policies, open communication with staff, and transparent disclosures to consumers will likely become essential components of responsible AI adoption in gaming.
For players and observers, the key takeaway is that the presence of AI in a game does not inherently diminish its quality, but the manner in which studios implement and disclose such technology can significantly impact public perception. As AI continues to evolve, the industry will be tasked with establishing standards that protect both creators and consumers while fostering innovation. In summary, Saber Interactive has added an AI disclaimer to the Steam listing for Rideshare Simulator after accusations that a writer was replaced by ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch has offered an apology to the former writer, acknowledging his impulsive reaction to criticism. The episode underscores ongoing debates about AI's role in game development, the importance of transparent communication, and the need for ethical guidelines as studios increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence into their creative processes.