Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its upcoming 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 debate sparked by accusations that the studio had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. In the original statement posted on the Steam page, Saber explains that the new notice is intended to be transparent with players about which parts of the game incorporate machine‑generated content.
The controversy began when former Saber employee Stella Sacco, who served as a writer on Rideshare Simulator from July 2023 until July 2024, publicly claimed that she was removed from the project midway and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT. Sacco also alleged that the studio had employed additional, undisclosed AI tools during the creation of the game, raising concerns about the authenticity of the narrative and the treatment of creative staff. In response, Saber’s chief executive officer, Matt Karch, issued a series of comments that both defended the company’s decisions and hinted at regret over the way the situation was handled.
Karch asserted 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 further explained that the studio had already been using artificial intelligence for specific aspects of the game and that a formal update to the Steam page would be posted once the final feature set was locked down. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared somewhat flustered when asked about Sacco. He replied, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," referencing the AI model Claude as a tongue‑in‑cheek way to illustrate his unfamiliarity with the former writer.
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. We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." The exchange did not calm the community.
Over the weekend, Sacco posted a message on the social platform 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 added a public comment on LinkedIn, attempting to contextualise 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." The incident has ignited a broader conversation within the gaming industry about the ethical implications of replacing human writers with AI. Critics argue that while AI can assist with repetitive tasks, it lacks the nuanced understanding of storytelling, character development, and cultural sensitivity that seasoned writers bring to a project. Proponents, however, point out that AI tools can accelerate production timelines, reduce costs, and allow smaller studios to compete in a market dominated by massive budgets. From a legal standpoint, the situation also raises questions about employment contracts and the rights of creators when their work is partially or wholly supplanted by machine‑generated content.
Some labor advocates suggest that studios should be required to disclose AI usage not only to consumers but also to employees, ensuring that staff are aware of how their roles might evolve. Saber Interactive’s decision to place an AI disclaimer on the Steam page can be seen as a step toward greater transparency, but many observers remain skeptical about the depth of the disclosure. The notice currently states that AI is employed for "certain parts" of the game without specifying which elements—dialogue, mission design, environmental description, or other narrative components—are affected.
Players who value authentic, human‑crafted storytelling may still feel uneasy about purchasing a title where the line between author and algorithm is blurred. Meanwhile, the personal dimension of the dispute underscores the importance of communication and professionalism in high‑pressure development environments. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—highlights how quickly emotions can flare when public scrutiny intensifies.
His willingness to apologize publicly, albeit after the fact, may help rebuild some trust, but the long‑term impact on Saber’s reputation will depend on how consistently the studio adheres to its newly announced AI policy. In summary, Saber Interactive has added an AI usage disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator following allegations that a former writer was dismissed and supplanted by ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized to the writer, acknowledging that his initial reaction to criticism was hasty. The episode has sparked ongoing debate about AI’s role in game development, the rights of creative professionals, and the necessity for clear, upfront communication with both employees and the gaming community.