Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit AI usage disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, posted directly on the game's storefront, seeks to clarify the studio’s stance on artificial‑intelligence tools and to address the allegations that have been circulating in the gaming community. The full 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." The background to this statement involves a series of public comments made by Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, about the departure of Stella Sacco, a writer who had been employed on the Rideshare Simulator project.
Sacco claimed that she was taken off the development team part‑way through production and that her responsibilities were handed over to the language model ChatGPT. In addition to this specific claim, she suggested that the studio had employed other AI tools in ways that had not been disclosed to the public.
In his initial response, Karch asserted that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added a provocative remark that, in hindsight, he would have been "happy to replace her with AI." This statement sparked a heated debate among gamers, journalists, and industry observers about the ethics of using AI in creative roles and the treatment of human staff. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had not personally interacted with Sacco during her tenure.
He continued, "We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalised the feature set." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers." He suggested that integrating AI could lower production costs, potentially allowing the studio to offer the game at a more affordable price point, a rationale that some observers found pragmatic while others viewed it as a thinly veiled justification for cutting human labor. The controversy escalated when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, writing that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She added, "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 own emotional reaction to the unfolding dispute. He wrote, "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 of a reflexive, defensive response was intended to humanise his reaction, but it also highlighted the volatile nature of public discourse when AI ethics intersect with employment issues.
The broader industry context is worth noting. Over the past few years, many game developers have begun experimenting with AI tools for tasks ranging from procedural content generation to narrative drafting. While these technologies can accelerate development cycles and reduce costs, they also raise questions about authorship, intellectual property, and the displacement of creative professionals.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the alleged replacement of a human writer with ChatGPT has become a flashpoint for those concerns. Critics argue that using AI to generate narrative content without transparent disclosure can undermine the credibility of a game’s storytelling and diminish the value placed on human craftsmanship. Proponents, on the other hand, contend that AI can serve as a collaborative assistant, offering writers a sandbox for ideas and speeding up iteration.
The key, many suggest, lies in clear communication with the audience and fair treatment of staff. Saber Interactive’s decision to add the AI disclaimer can be seen as an effort to align with the growing demand for transparency. By openly stating that AI was employed in certain aspects of the game, the studio acknowledges the technology’s role while also attempting to pre‑empt further accusations of secrecy.
The disclaimer also serves a legal function, potentially shielding the company from claims of misrepresentation under consumer protection statutes. From a human resources perspective, the episode underscores the importance of clear internal policies regarding AI adoption. Companies that integrate AI into creative pipelines must establish guidelines on when and how AI can replace or augment human work, and they must ensure that employees are informed and consulted throughout the process. Failure to do so can lead to morale issues, public relations crises, and even legal challenges.
Looking ahead, the fallout from this incident may influence how other studios approach AI disclosure. Some may adopt more robust labeling practices on storefronts, while others might invest in hybrid workflows that pair AI tools with human oversight to preserve the authenticity of narrative voice. The conversation sparked by Saber Interactive and Stella Sacco could become a case study in balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility. In summary, Saber Interactive has responded to a controversy over alleged AI‑driven replacement of a writer by placing an explicit disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized to former writer Stella Sacco, acknowledging a hasty and emotionally charged reaction to criticism. The incident highlights the tension between the efficiency gains offered by AI and the need for transparency, fair labor practices, and respect for creative talent within the gaming industry.