Saber Interactive has taken the step of appending an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store listing for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s stance on AI usage and to address the controversy that has surrounded the project’s development.
The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024. According to Ms. Sacco, she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through production and her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT, with additional, previously undisclosed AI tools also being employed throughout the development process." In a public statement, Karch attempted to contextualise the situation. He asserted that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "In retrospect I would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." He further explained that the studio had already disclosed its intention to use AI for certain components of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalised.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch made a somewhat flippant remark, saying, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He continued, "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.
We view our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a benefit for consumers." The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, stating 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." Karch later issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. He confessed, "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 episode highlights several broader industry trends. First, the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models in game development is becoming increasingly common, especially for lower‑budget titles where resources are limited. Studios often employ AI to generate placeholder text, assist with localization, or even draft marketing copy.
However, the line between assistance and replacement remains blurry, and the lack of transparency can lead to accusations of unfair labor practices. Second, the situation underscores the importance of clear communication between leadership and creative staff.
When a writer feels sidelined or replaced without proper acknowledgment, it can result in public disputes that damage a studio’s reputation. In this case, the abrupt removal of Sacco and the subsequent claim that an AI system took over her duties sparked a debate about the ethical implications of substituting human creativity with machine‑generated content. Third, the incident reflects a growing awareness among gamers and industry observers about the provenance of in‑game text and narrative elements.
Players increasingly demand authenticity and may view AI‑generated dialogue as less immersive or emotionally resonant. By adding the disclaimer, Saber Interactive is attempting to be upfront with its audience, signalling that some portions of the game's narrative or UI text may have been produced with the help of AI. From a legal perspective, there are also potential ramifications.
Employment contracts often contain clauses about intellectual property and the ownership of creative work. If a writer is dismissed and their contributions are subsequently replaced by AI, questions arise regarding the rights to any original material they may have produced before termination.
While no lawsuits have been filed in this particular case, the scenario could set a precedent for future disputes. Finally, the personal dimension of the controversy cannot be ignored. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—offers a candid glimpse into the pressures faced by executives when navigating public criticism. His acknowledgment of a human error, coupled with an apology, may help to mend relationships within the studio, but it also serves as a cautionary tale for other leaders about the need for measured responses.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator is a direct response to a series of allegations involving the replacement of a human writer with AI tools. The CEO’s public apologies and explanations aim to restore trust with both the former employee and the gaming community at large. As the industry continues to integrate AI technologies, transparency, respectful communication, and clear policies will be essential to avoid similar conflicts and to ensure that the contributions of human creators are recognised and valued.