Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page 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 ignited by accusations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project in favor of content generated by AI tools.
The full text of the new AI disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the company from July 2023 until July 2024. Sacco has claimed that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its production and that her responsibilities were taken over by ChatGPT, alongside allegations of additional, undisclosed AI usage throughout the game's creation." In the wake of these claims, Karch responded publicly, stating that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and adding that "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing 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 further explained, "We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain aspects of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set." He framed the use of AI as a benefit for players, noting, "We view our incorporation of AI in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as a plus for consumers, providing them with richer content at a reduced cost." The controversy resurfaced over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, indicating 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 also issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, where 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 episode highlights several broader issues currently shaping the video‑game industry. First, the increasing reliance on AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and other large language models for generating narrative text, dialogue, and even design documentation has sparked debate about the ethical treatment of human writers and artists. While AI can accelerate prototyping and reduce costs, many creators worry that it may be used as a justification for cutting staff or diminishing the value of original human creativity.
Second, the incident underscores the importance of transparent communication with both the gaming community and internal teams. By adding the AI disclaimer to the Steam page, Saber Interactive acknowledges that players have a right to know how much of the game’s content is machine‑generated. This transparency is increasingly expected by consumers who are becoming more aware of the role AI plays in media production.
Third, the public apology from a CEO demonstrates a growing recognition that leadership must be accountable for their words and actions, especially when they involve allegations of unfair labor practices. Karch’s admission that he reacted impulsively—"shot first and thought second"—offers a candid glimpse into the pressures executives face when navigating controversy in real time. From a legal standpoint, the situation also raises questions about employment contracts and intellectual property. If a writer’s contributions are replaced by AI‑generated text, it is unclear how credit, royalties, or moral rights are handled.
Companies may need to update their contracts to specify the circumstances under which AI can be used and how it affects the rights of human contributors. Industry observers note that this is not an isolated case.
Several studios have faced similar scrutiny after reports surfaced that AI was being used to draft storylines, character bios, or even code. Some unions and advocacy groups are calling for clearer guidelines and possibly new legislation to protect creative professionals from being sidelined by automated tools.
For gamers, the practical impact of AI on Rideshare Simulator remains to be seen. The developers have promised to finalize the feature set before updating the Steam page again, suggesting that the AI components may be limited to certain in‑game text or procedural elements rather than core gameplay mechanics. If executed well, AI could enhance the realism of the simulation by generating diverse passenger dialogues or dynamic traffic scenarios, thereby enriching the overall experience. In summary, Saber Interactive’s addition of an AI disclaimer to the Steam listing for Rideshare Simulator is a direct response to public outcry over alleged writer replacement and undisclosed AI usage.
CEO Matt Karch’s subsequent apology, both on BlueSky and LinkedIn, reflects an attempt to mend relationships with the former writer and the broader community. The episode serves as a case study in the evolving dialogue around AI integration, labor rights, and transparency within the video‑game sector, prompting both creators and consumers to consider how technology should be responsibly leveraged in the art of game development.