Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its title Rideshare Simulator to include a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. This move comes after a heated debate sparked by accusations that the company had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools. The full text of the new disclosure reads as follows: "This update follows comments from Saber CEO Matt Karch regarding writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 to July 2024.
Ms. Sacco has claimed that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its development and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, along with other undisclosed AI applications used throughout the creation of the game." In a series of public statements, Karch attempted to clarify the situation. 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." He went on to say, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames. Karch also noted, "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." He 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." The controversy intensified when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend, writing 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 later issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his emotional reaction. 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." The incident raises broader questions about the role of AI in creative industries, especially in video game development where narrative, dialogue, and world‑building have traditionally been human‑driven crafts. While AI can accelerate certain tasks—such as generating placeholder text, polishing grammar, or suggesting alternative phrasing—many developers and writers argue that the nuanced storytelling, character voice, and emotional resonance required for immersive games still demand a human touch.
Industry observers note that the line between assistance and replacement is often blurry. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models can produce coherent prose in seconds, but they lack the lived experience and contextual awareness that a seasoned writer brings to a project. When a studio openly acknowledges using AI for "certain parts" of a game, transparency becomes crucial to maintain player trust and to give credit where it is due.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the game is positioned as an affordable, indie‑style title that simulates the day‑to‑day operations of a rideshare driver. Its lower price point may make it more appealing to experiment with cost‑saving technologies, but the backlash suggests that consumers and creators alike expect clear communication about how much of the final product is human‑crafted versus AI‑generated.
The apology from Karch, while sincere in tone, also highlights the challenges leaders face when navigating public criticism in the digital age. His admission of reacting impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—reflects a common human error, yet it also underscores the importance of measured, thoughtful responses when dealing with sensitive personnel matters. Going forward, Saber Interactive has pledged to keep its Steam page updated as the feature set of Rideshare Simulator solidifies, presumably to include more detailed information about which aspects of the game are assisted by AI.
Whether this approach will satisfy critics remains to be seen, but it sets a precedent for other studios grappling with similar dilemmas. The broader gaming community continues to watch closely, debating the ethical implications of AI in creative pipelines, the rights of writers and artists whose work may be supplanted, and the expectations of players who purchase a product marketed as a human‑driven experience.
As AI technology evolves and becomes more accessible, the industry will likely need to develop clearer guidelines and standards for disclosure, attribution, and fair labor practices. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to add an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Simulator’s Steam listing reflects both a response to public outcry and an acknowledgement of the growing role AI plays in game development.
CEO Matt Karch’s public apology to former writer Stella Sacco demonstrates an attempt to mend fences, though the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency, respectful communication, and thoughtful integration of emerging technologies in creative work.