Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store listing for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had replaced a human writer with AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s approach to AI tools and to address the controversy that has surrounded the project since early 2024. The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update reflects recent statements made by Saber Interactive’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, concerning the involvement of former writer Stella Sacco in the development of Rideshare Simulator. Ms.
Sacco was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024 and alleges that she was removed from the project midway through production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by content generated via ChatGPT. She also claims that additional, undisclosed AI technologies were employed 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 he added that, in hindsight, he "would have been happy to replace her with AI." The company acknowledges that it is indeed using AI for certain aspects of the game and will update the Steam page once the final feature set is locked down.
Saber views the use of AI in this lower‑priced title as a benefit for consumers." The background to this dispute begins with a series of public comments made by Karch on the popular video‑game podcast This Week In Videogames. When asked about Ms. Sacco, Karch responded, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had no personal recollection of the writer. He went on to confirm that the studio was indeed employing artificial‑intelligence tools for some parts of the game and promised a future update to the Steam store page once the AI‑related features were finalized. Karch framed the use of AI as a value‑add for players, especially given the game’s positioning as an affordable, accessible experience.
The controversy deepened when Ms. Sacco posted on the social‑media platform 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 statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding situation. "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 highlights several broader industry trends. First, the rapid adoption of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models in game development has sparked debate over authorship, quality, and ethical considerations. While AI can accelerate content creation—producing dialogue, quest descriptions, or even procedural narrative elements—many creators worry that over‑reliance on machine‑generated text may erode the human touch that gives games their emotional resonance.
In this case, the allegation that a seasoned writer was removed and supplanted by a chatbot struck a nerve with both the development community and the gaming public. Second, the incident underscores the importance of transparent communication with both staff and consumers.
By adding the AI disclaimer to the Steam page, Saber Interactive is attempting to pre‑empt further speculation and demonstrate compliance with emerging industry best practices. Several platforms, including the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and various digital storefronts, are beginning to require clear labeling when AI is used in a product’s creation, particularly if it influences narrative or character dialogue.
Third, the personal dynamics between Karch and Sacco reveal how quickly professional disagreements can spill into the public sphere in the age of social media. Karch’s admission that he "shot first and thought second" suggests a lapse in judgment that many executives face when dealing with criticism.
His subsequent apology, both on BlueSky and LinkedIn, indicates an effort to repair the relationship and mitigate reputational damage. From a legal perspective, the situation also raises questions about employment contracts, intellectual property rights, and the treatment of AI‑generated work. If a writer’s contributions are replaced by a machine, does the original contract still apply? Who owns the resulting AI‑crafted content?
While the law has yet to provide definitive answers, companies are increasingly drafting clauses that address AI usage explicitly, ensuring that both the employer and employee understand the scope of AI involvement. For gamers, the practical impact of this controversy may be limited. Rideshare Simulator is marketed as an affordable, simulation‑heavy title that aims to capture the day‑to‑day experience of rideshare drivers. If AI is used to generate in‑game text, procedural events, or tutorial prompts, the end result could be a smoother, more consistent experience—provided the AI outputs are carefully curated and edited.
However, any perceived loss of authentic, human‑written storytelling could affect the game’s immersion and replay value. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive’s decision to publicly acknowledge AI usage may set a precedent for other studios navigating similar terrain. By being upfront about the technologies involved, developers can build trust with their audience while also establishing a framework for responsible AI integration. The company’s apology to Ms.
Sacco, though perhaps insufficient to fully resolve the underlying grievances, signals a willingness to engage in dialogue and potentially revisit internal policies regarding AI and staff contributions. In summary, the addition of an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam page reflects a broader shift in the gaming industry toward greater transparency about machine‑assisted content creation. CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco, coupled with his candid admission of an impulsive reaction, illustrates the human side of these technological transitions. As AI continues to reshape how games are written, designed, and tested, studios will need to balance efficiency gains with ethical considerations, employee relations, and the expectations of a discerning player base.