Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s page, seeks to clarify the studio’s current stance on AI usage and to address the allegations that have been circulating in the gaming press and on social media. The full wording of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco has asserted that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI tools used during the creation of the game. In response, Mr.
Karch has stated that Ms. Sacco was replaced by an individual he considers more talented and that she was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He further 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 said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." "We view our use of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a benefit for consumers." In a recent post on the social platform BlueSky, Ms.
Sacco wrote that Mr. 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." Karch also issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, where 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." The episode began when a former employee, identified as Stella Sacco, posted on professional networking sites that she had been hired as the lead writer for Rideshare Simulator in mid‑2023. According to her account, she contributed to the narrative design and script for the first half of the project before being abruptly removed from the team. Sacco claimed that her departure coincided with the studio’s decision to replace her responsibilities with outputs generated by ChatGPT, a large language model owned by OpenAI.
She further alleged that other, undisclosed AI tools were employed in various aspects of the game's development, ranging from asset naming conventions to marketing copy. The allegations quickly gained traction, sparking a broader conversation about the ethics of AI in game development.
Critics argued that dismissing a human writer in favor of a machine‑generated script could undermine creative integrity and set a dangerous precedent for the industry. Supporters of AI, however, pointed out that many studios already use language models for routine tasks, and that AI can augment rather than replace human talent when applied responsibly. Matt Karch, who founded Saber Interactive in 2001 and has overseen the studio’s growth from a modest indie outfit to a multi‑million‑dollar developer of titles such as "The Darkness II" and "World War Z," found himself at the center of the debate.
In an interview with This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared flustered, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." The reference to Claude—a competing AI model—was interpreted by many as a tongue‑in‑cheek attempt to deflect the criticism, though it also highlighted the extent to which AI tools have become part of everyday conversation.
Karch’s subsequent LinkedIn post attempted to soften the backlash. He acknowledged that his initial reaction was driven by emotion rather than careful deliberation: "I got triggered by certain later comments and shot first and thought second." He framed the incident as a human error, emphasizing his willingness to make amends: "I have done what I can to rectify." The BlueSky apology from Sacco added another layer of nuance. While she accepted Karch’s apology, she also expressed uncertainty about what concrete steps would constitute a satisfactory resolution. "I’ll have to sit with it and see what that looks like for me," she wrote, indicating that the matter was far from settled.
In response to the controversy, Saber Interactive updated the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator to include the AI disclaimer. The studio clarified that AI is being used for "certain parts of the game," but stopped short of detailing exactly which components—be it dialogue generation, procedural content, or marketing materials.
The disclaimer also promised a future update once the "feature set" is finalized, suggesting that the studio intends to be more transparent about its AI pipeline as development progresses. Industry observers note that this incident could serve as a case study for how studios handle AI disclosure. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has previously urged developers to be forthright about AI usage, especially when it impacts creative roles. Some analysts predict that regulatory bodies may eventually require explicit labeling of AI‑generated content in games, similar to existing guidelines for deep‑fake media.
From a consumer perspective, the reaction has been mixed. Some players appreciate the studio’s honesty and view the AI integration as a cost‑saving measure that could lower the price point of the final product. Others remain skeptical, fearing that reliance on AI could lead to generic storytelling, repetitive quest structures, and a loss of the nuanced character development that human writers traditionally provide. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with both its workforce and its audience.
The company’s next steps may include establishing clear internal policies on AI usage, offering training for staff on how to collaborate with AI tools, and perhaps most importantly, ensuring that any future AI integration is accompanied by transparent communication. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects an attempt to address a growing controversy surrounding the replacement of a human writer with a language model. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology, coupled with former writer Stella Sacco’s measured acceptance, underscores the human element behind the dispute. As the gaming industry continues to explore the balance between technological innovation and creative authenticity, this episode highlights the importance of clear disclosure, ethical considerations, and open dialogue between developers, employees, and players.