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 heated debate erupted over claims that the studio had replaced a human writer with AI‑generated text. The controversy began when former employee Stella Sacco, who served as the game’s lead writer from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that she was removed from the project midway and that her responsibilities were handed over to ChatGPT. Sacco further suggested that the development team had employed additional, undisclosed AI tools throughout the creation of the game.
In reaction to these accusations, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a public statement attempting to clarify the situation. Karch said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and he added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s comments sparked even more backlash, prompting him to elaborate in an interview with the video‑game podcast This Week In Videogames. During that conversation, Karch admitted he had never actually met or spoken with Sacco, joking, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to say that the company had already disclosed the use of AI for specific elements of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the final feature set was locked down. Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is positioned as a lower‑priced title. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he asserted.
This rationale was intended to portray AI integration not as a cost‑cutting measure that undermines creative labor, but as an added value that could streamline development and potentially lower the final price for players. The situation took another turn when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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." Sacco’s statement indicated a willingness to move forward, while also highlighting the lingering uncertainty about what concrete steps the company might take to address her grievances. Karch also posted a separate apology on LinkedIn, where he acknowledged his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. "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." This candid admission of impulsive behavior was meant to humanise the CEO, but many observers noted that it did little to resolve the deeper concerns about transparency, labor practices, and the ethical use of AI in creative industries. The addition of the AI disclaimer to the Steam page is now the most visible sign of the company’s attempt to restore trust. The notice reads, in full, that the game incorporates AI‑generated content in certain areas, and that the developers will update the listing once the final AI‑related features are confirmed.
By making this information publicly available, Saber hopes to pre‑empt further accusations of secrecy and to comply with growing industry standards that call for clear labeling of AI‑assisted work. Industry analysts see this episode as part of a broader trend in which game studios grapple with the balance between leveraging powerful language models and preserving human creativity. While AI can accelerate tasks such as dialogue generation, localization, and procedural content creation, the backlash from Sacco’s case underscores the importance of clear communication with both employees and the gaming community. Many developers now advocate for a hybrid approach: using AI as a tool under the guidance of experienced writers, rather than as a wholesale replacement.
From a legal perspective, the dispute also raises questions about employment contracts and intellectual property. If a writer is removed and their work is substituted with AI output, issues may arise concerning ownership of the narrative, credit attribution, and potential severance obligations.
Although no lawsuits have been filed yet, the public nature of the allegations could encourage other studios to review their own policies to avoid similar fallout. For players, the practical impact of the AI disclaimer may be modest. Rideshare Simulator promises a realistic driving experience that simulates the day‑to‑day challenges of a rideshare driver, from navigating city traffic to managing passenger expectations. Whether the dialogue and mission briefings are crafted by a human writer or generated with the assistance of a model like ChatGPT is unlikely to change the core gameplay.
However, the ethical dimension—knowing that a piece of the narrative was produced by an algorithm—might influence how some gamers perceive the authenticity of the experience. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to post an AI usage notice on Steam follows a cascade of statements, apologies, and public debates sparked by former writer Stella Sacco’s claims.
CEO Matt Karch’s admissions of impulsive reaction and his promise to make amends reflect an effort to mitigate reputational damage. The episode highlights the growing need for transparency around AI in game development, the importance of respecting creative talent, and the potential legal complexities that arise when human labor is replaced or supplemented by machine‑generated content.
As the industry continues to explore the possibilities of AI, the Saber case will likely serve as a cautionary tale for studios aiming to integrate these technologies responsibly while maintaining trust with both their staff and their audience.