Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a heated debate erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of machine‑generated text. The controversy centers on the departure of Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, and her assertion that she was removed from the project mid‑development and substituted with output from ChatGPT. Sacco also alleged that other, as‑yet‑undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game’s creation. In response to the growing backlash, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a statement addressing the allegations.
He said that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, in hindsight, that he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." The CEO’s comments suggested a willingness to rely on automated writing solutions, a stance that many in the industry and the public found unsettling. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared to distance himself from Sacco, claiming, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to acknowledge that the studio was indeed using AI for certain components of Rideshare Simulator, promising to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, noting that the game would be priced lower than many of Saber’s other offerings and that the integration of AI could be seen as a value‑add for players. The situation took another turn over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky, 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 posted a separate comment on LinkedIn, attempting to explain his earlier outburst. 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." This admission highlighted the emotional intensity that can arise when discussions about AI ethics, employment, and creative ownership intersect. The broader industry context is worth noting. Over the past few years, game developers have increasingly experimented with AI tools for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to narrative drafting. While these technologies can accelerate production and reduce costs, they also raise questions about authorship, fairness, and the future of creative jobs.
Critics argue that replacing a human writer with a language model undermines the craft of storytelling and can lead to homogenized, less nuanced dialogue. Proponents, on the other hand, point out that AI can handle repetitive or data‑heavy writing tasks, freeing human talent to focus on higher‑level design and direction.
Saber Interactive’s decision to place a disclaimer on the Steam page is part of a growing trend of transparency measures. Platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and even console marketplaces are beginning to require developers to disclose the extent of AI usage, especially when it affects consumer‑facing content. This move is intended to give players clearer expectations about the nature of the experience they are purchasing, and to address concerns about authenticity and originality.
For Sacco, the episode has become a personal and professional crucible. In her BlueSky post, she emphasized that she stood by her original claims and that the evidence, in her view, now supports her narrative.
She also expressed a willingness to consider Karch’s apology, though she remains uncertain about what concrete steps might constitute a satisfactory resolution. Her stance reflects a broader sentiment among creators who feel threatened by the rapid adoption of AI in creative pipelines.
Matt Karch’s public apology, while sincere in tone, leaves many questions unanswered. What specific actions will Saber take to ensure that human writers are not unfairly displaced in future projects?
Will the company establish clear guidelines for AI involvement, such as limiting its use to non‑narrative elements or requiring human oversight for any AI‑generated text? These are the kinds of policy details that stakeholders—including players, journalists, and industry regulators—are now demanding. The incident also underscores the importance of communication within development teams. Sacco’s claim that she was never spoken to or seen by Karch suggests a breakdown in internal dialogue, which can exacerbate misunderstandings and fuel public disputes.
Effective leadership in tech and creative fields often hinges on transparent, respectful interaction with all team members, especially when navigating emerging technologies that can disrupt traditional workflows. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page marks a notable moment in the ongoing conversation about artificial intelligence in game development. CEO Matt Karch’s apology to former writer Stella Sacco reflects both personal accountability and the broader challenges companies face when integrating AI tools.
As the industry continues to grapple with balancing efficiency, creativity, and ethical responsibility, cases like this serve as a reminder that clear policies, open communication, and genuine respect for human contributors are essential to maintaining trust among creators and consumers alike.