Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted around 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 storefront, is intended to clarify the studio’s current stance on AI usage and to address the concerns raised by former employee Stella Sacco, who alleges that her role was eliminated midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT. The full text of the new disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco has publicly stated that she was removed from the Rideshare project during its middle phase and that her duties were taken over by an AI language model, while also alleging additional, undisclosed applications of AI throughout the game’s creation.
In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms.
Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect we would have been comfortable replacing her with AI."" Karch’s comments continued with a somewhat bewildered tone: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," he told the video‑game 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." He further defended the studio’s approach, stating, "We view our use of AI in this particular title, which is intended to be a lower‑priced offering, as a benefit for consumers." The dispute took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted a brief message on the social platform BlueSky, indicating 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, for his part, issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, attempting to explain his earlier reaction.
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 saga highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of generative AI tools in game development. As large language models become increasingly sophisticated, studios are experimenting with them for tasks ranging from drafting narrative dialogue to generating marketing copy.
Proponents argue that AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and free human creators to focus on higher‑level design decisions. Critics, however, warn that over‑reliance on automated text generators may erode the quality of storytelling, marginalize professional writers, and raise ethical questions about attribution and transparency.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the controversy centers on whether the alleged replacement of a human writer with ChatGPT was a strategic decision aimed at cutting expenses or an opportunistic use of technology that disregarded the contributions of a skilled employee. Sacco’s tenure at Saber, which spanned a full year, suggests she was involved in the early phases of the project, likely shaping the game’s core narrative concepts, character interactions, and mission structures. If her work was indeed superseded by AI, the move could be seen as a signal that the studio prioritizes rapid iteration over the nuanced craftsmanship that experienced writers bring. From a legal perspective, the situation also raises questions about employment contracts and the rights of workers whose output may be partially or wholly replaced by software.
While most jurisdictions do not yet have explicit statutes governing AI‑generated content in creative industries, existing labor laws concerning termination, notice periods, and severance could still apply. If Sacco’s dismissal was directly linked to the decision to adopt AI, she might have grounds to claim unfair treatment, especially if the studio did not provide adequate notice or compensation.
The public apology from Karch, albeit brief, may be an attempt to mitigate reputational damage and to signal to the broader gaming community that Saber is willing to engage in dialogue. By acknowledging his impulsive reaction—"shot first and thought second"—he frames the incident as a human error rather than a calculated corporate policy. Nonetheless, many observers remain skeptical, noting that a sincere apology typically includes concrete steps for remediation, such as reinstating the writer, offering compensation, or establishing clear guidelines for AI usage. In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive announced that it will be updating the Steam page once the final feature set for Rideshare Simulator is locked down, promising greater transparency about which elements of the game were produced with AI assistance.
This pledge aligns with a growing trend among developers to label AI‑generated assets, whether visual, auditory, or textual, in order to maintain consumer trust. The incident also serves as a cautionary tale for other studios navigating the integration of AI tools. Clear internal policies, open communication with staff, and proactive disclosure to the public can help avoid misunderstandings that may quickly snowball into PR crises. As the technology matures, the industry will likely see the emergence of best‑practice frameworks that balance efficiency gains with ethical considerations.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam page reflects an effort to address accusations that a human writer was replaced by a language model. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology acknowledges his hasty reaction to the controversy, while the ongoing dialogue underscores the need for transparent AI practices within game development.
The episode highlights the tension between innovation and responsibility, reminding developers that the adoption of powerful new tools must be accompanied by thoughtful policies and respect for the professionals whose expertise shapes the stories gamers love.