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 content generated by AI tools. The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024.
Sacco alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator team midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently taken over by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed applications of AI throughout the game's creation." In a series of public statements, Karch attempted to clarify the situation. He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her work with AI if it had been appropriate." During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further explained his lack of personal interaction with Sacco, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or even seen her in person." He went on to acknowledge that the studio had already announced the use of AI for certain aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. "We view our use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers," he said.
The controversy intensified when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the terrible 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 also issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, where he admitted to acting impulsively: "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 episode raises broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, especially in video game development where narrative, dialogue, and world‑building have traditionally been the domain of human writers. Proponents of AI argue that tools like ChatGPT can accelerate production, generate large volumes of placeholder text, and assist writers with brainstorming. Critics, however, warn that reliance on AI may undermine the authenticity of storytelling, diminish job security for skilled writers, and lead to ethical concerns about attribution and originality. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game itself is positioned as an affordable, niche title that simulates the day‑to‑day experience of a rideshare driver.
By labeling the AI usage as a "plus for consumers," Saber Interactive appears to be framing the technology as a cost‑saving measure that could potentially lower the final price of the game or allow the team to allocate resources elsewhere, such as polishing gameplay mechanics or adding new features. The timeline of events, as reported, suggests the following sequence: Sacco joined Saber in July 2023, contributed to the early stages of Rideshare Simulator, and was removed from the project sometime before the game's public reveal.
Following her departure, she publicly claimed that her duties were handed over to an AI system, specifically ChatGPT, and hinted at other undisclosed AI applications. Karch responded with a mixed message—first denying direct contact with Sacco, then acknowledging the use of AI, and finally issuing an apology after the backlash grew.
Industry observers note that this incident is not isolated. Over the past few years, several studios have faced scrutiny for employing AI in scriptwriting, character dialogue, and even concept art without transparent disclosure.
Some developers have chosen to label AI‑generated content explicitly, while others have kept such practices internal, leading to accusations of deception when the truth emerges. From a legal standpoint, the use of AI-generated text can raise copyright concerns, especially if the model was trained on copyrighted material without proper licensing. While the current legal framework is still evolving, companies are increasingly cautious about documenting the provenance of AI‑produced assets to avoid potential infringement claims. For writers like Sacco, the situation underscores the precarious nature of employment in a field where technology can rapidly shift the balance of power.
Her decision to speak out publicly reflects a broader movement among creatives demanding transparency and fair treatment when AI is introduced into the workflow. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive's decision to add the AI disclaimer may serve as a template for other developers seeking to preempt criticism.
By openly acknowledging the presence of AI, studios can foster trust with their audience, provided they also demonstrate a commitment to ethical usage—such as ensuring that AI supplements rather than replaces human creativity, and that any displaced staff receive appropriate support or compensation. In conclusion, the Rideshare Simulator controversy illustrates the growing pains of integrating artificial intelligence into video game development.
While AI can offer efficiency gains and new creative possibilities, it also brings ethical dilemmas, employment concerns, and the need for clear communication with both the public and the creators involved. Matt Karch's apology and the subsequent disclaimer represent an attempt to address the fallout, but the industry will likely continue to grapple with how to balance innovation with responsibility.