Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit AI usage disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of controversy erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of artificial‑intelligence‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the studio’s approach to AI and to address the allegations that have been circulating online and in industry media.
The full text of the disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent comments made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024. Ms. Sacco has asserted that she was removed from the Rideshare Simulator project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI tools used during the creation of the game.
In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by a different individual whom he described as more talented, and that her employment was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later. He also added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI.
"Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," Karch told the 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." "We view our use of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a benefit for consumers." In a separate post on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, Sacco wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She continued, "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 also issued a public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his 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 controversy centers on the broader industry debate about the role of AI in creative processes, particularly in narrative design and copywriting. Stella Sacco, who held the title of lead writer on Rideshare Simulator, claims she was removed from the project after roughly a year of service and that her duties were handed over to a language model.
Her allegations suggest that the studio may have been using AI tools without fully disclosing this practice to the public or to its own staff. The claim that she was replaced "by someone more talented" raises questions about the criteria used by the company to evaluate human versus machine contributions.
Matt Karch’s remarks have been interpreted in several ways. On one hand, his admission that he would have been "happy to replace her with AI" in hindsight signals a pragmatic, perhaps even opportunistic, view of automation in game development. On the other hand, his acknowledgment that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—demonstrates a degree of self‑awareness and a willingness to own up to a misstep, something that is not always common among executives facing public scrutiny. The inclusion of the AI disclaimer on Steam serves several practical purposes.
First, it provides transparency for potential buyers who may be concerned about the authenticity of the game's narrative content. Second, it pre‑empts further accusations of secrecy by making the studio’s AI usage policy visible.
Finally, it aligns Saber Interactive with emerging best practices that many platforms and publishers are beginning to adopt, such as labeling AI‑generated assets in games, movies, and other media. From a consumer perspective, the reaction has been mixed.
Some players appreciate the honesty and view AI as a tool that can lower production costs and potentially enable more frequent updates or localized content. Others worry that reliance on AI could diminish the quality of storytelling, reduce opportunities for human writers, and lead to homogenized dialogue that lacks the nuance of a seasoned author. Industry analysts note that the situation at Saber Interactive mirrors a larger trend where studios experiment with AI for tasks ranging from procedural level design to marketing copy.
While AI can accelerate certain workflows, the ethical considerations—especially around credit, compensation, and the replacement of human talent—remain unresolved. The case of Stella Sacco may become a reference point for future discussions about how studios should balance efficiency gains with respect for creative professionals. In the weeks ahead, Saber Interactive has indicated that it will continue to refine its AI policy and update the Steam page as the feature set of Rideshare Simulator becomes final. The studio has also promised to engage with its community to gather feedback on how AI integration impacts player experience.
Whether these steps will fully restore trust among former employees, current staff, and the broader gaming audience remains to be seen. Overall, the episode underscores the delicate interplay between technological advancement and human labor in the video game industry.
It highlights the importance of clear communication, ethical decision‑making, and the willingness to admit mistakes when they occur. As AI tools become more sophisticated, studios like Saber Interactive will likely face increasing pressure to be transparent about their use, to honor the contributions of human creators, and to navigate the evolving expectations of both the market and the workforce.