Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam listing for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game’s development. The move comes after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools. The company’s chief executive, Matt Karch, has since issued a public apology to the former writer, acknowledging his own missteps in handling the situation. The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who worked at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024, and stated she was removed from Rideshare midway through development and replaced with ChatGPT, while alleging other then-unannounced use of AI in the game's development." By placing this notice on the Steam storefront, Saber hopes to be transparent with players about the extent to which machine‑generated content appears in the final product.
The controversy began when former staff member Stella Sacco, who served as a lead writer on Rideshare Simulator, publicly claimed that she was taken off the project partway through its production cycle and that her responsibilities were handed over to an AI system, specifically ChatGPT. Sacco further alleged that the studio had employed additional, undisclosed AI tools throughout the game’s creation, raising questions about authorship, creative integrity, and the ethical use of automated writing technologies in the gaming industry. In response to these accusations, Matt Karch initially defended the studio’s decisions. He said that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." Karch’s remarks suggested that the company viewed AI as a viable, perhaps even preferable, alternative to human writers in certain contexts, especially for a lower‑priced title like Rideshare Simulator where cost efficiencies are a priority.
During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further downplayed Sacco’s involvement, stating, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He explained that Saber had already disclosed its intention to incorporate AI for specific aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature set was finalized. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he said, framing AI integration as a consumer benefit rather than a controversial shortcut. The situation escalated when Sacco took to the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, posting 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 statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction to the unfolding drama. 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 pressure that public figures face when navigating accusations of unethical practices, especially in a field where AI’s role is still being defined. The broader gaming community has taken note of this episode, sparking a lively debate about the appropriate balance between human creativity and algorithmic assistance. Some developers argue that AI can serve as a useful tool for generating placeholder text, brainstorming dialogue options, or handling repetitive narrative tasks, thereby freeing writers to focus on higher‑level storytelling.
Others worry that reliance on AI may erode the unique voice and cultural nuance that human writers bring to interactive experiences, potentially leading to homogenized content and reduced employment opportunities for writers. Industry analysts also point out that transparency is key. When studios disclose AI usage up front, players can make informed decisions about the products they support.
The Steam disclaimer added by Saber Interactive can be seen as a step toward that transparency, though critics note that the timing—coming after public accusations—makes it appear reactive rather than proactive. From a legal perspective, the use of AI-generated text raises questions about intellectual property rights, attribution, and liability.
If an AI model produces a line of dialogue that inadvertently infringes on copyrighted material, who is responsible? The studio, the AI developer, or the individual who prompted the output?
These are unresolved issues that may soon require clearer regulatory guidance. For Sacco, the experience has been a personal and professional challenge.
In her BlueSky post, she emphasized the importance of standing by her truth, even when faced with powerful corporate opposition. Her willingness to accept Karch’s apology, while still seeking clarity on what restitution might look like, suggests a desire for a constructive resolution rather than ongoing hostility. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Rideshare Simulator Steam page reflects a growing need for openness about machine‑assisted content in video games.
CEO Matt Karch’s public apology and admission of an impulsive reaction illustrate the human element behind corporate communications, especially when controversial topics like AI replacement of human labor are involved. The incident underscores the evolving conversation within the gaming industry about how to responsibly integrate AI, protect creative talent, and maintain trust with the player community.
As AI tools become more sophisticated and accessible, similar disputes are likely to arise, making clear policies and honest dialogue essential for the future of game development.