Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam store page for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated dispute erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, now visible to anyone browsing the game’s storefront, acknowledges the use of AI tools in the development process and attempts to clarify the company’s position amid growing scrutiny from both the gaming community and industry observers. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows recent remarks 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 alleges that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through development and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications throughout the game's creation. In response, Mr. Karch has clarified that Ms. Sacco was replaced by an individual he deemed more skilled and that her employment was terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later.
He further added that, in hindsight, he would have been comfortable substituting her work with AI." During a recent interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch was asked to elaborate on the situation. 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 of indicating his lack of personal interaction with the former writer. He continued, "We have already announced that we are employing AI for certain components of the game, and we will update the Steam page once the feature set is finalized." Karch framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating, "We view our integration of artificial intelligence in this particular title—a lower‑priced offering—as an added value for players." This perspective reflects a broader industry trend where developers are experimenting with machine‑learning tools to streamline content creation, generate dialogue, or even assist with level design.
However, the controversy surrounding Sacco’s departure highlights the ethical and professional challenges that arise when AI is introduced into creative pipelines. Over the weekend, Sacco posted a message on the social network BlueSky, expressing that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She wrote, "I have been firm from the beginning that I was telling the truth; I think we can all now agree that it has 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, for his part, issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. He said, "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 situation." The incident raises several questions about how studios should manage AI integration while respecting the contributions of human creators. On one hand, AI can accelerate production, reduce costs, and enable smaller teams to deliver richer experiences.
On the other hand, replacing a writer—especially one who has contributed to narrative design, character development, and world‑building—with a language model can be perceived as devaluing human creativity and expertise. Industry analysts note that transparency is key. When players discover that dialogue or mission descriptions were generated by an algorithm, they may feel misled if the studio does not disclose this information up front. Conversely, clear communication about AI usage can foster trust, as gamers increasingly appreciate behind‑the‑scenes insight into how their games are made.
In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the AI disclaimer appears to be a reactive measure, prompted by public outcry rather than a proactive policy. The studio’s decision to label the game as a "lower‑priced title" suggests an attempt to position the AI‑enhanced content as a cost‑saving measure that benefits consumers through a lower retail price.
Whether this framing will resonate with the community remains to be seen. Beyond the immediate controversy, the situation underscores a broader cultural shift within the video game industry. As AI tools become more sophisticated—capable of generating coherent prose, realistic voice lines, and even adaptive gameplay mechanics—studios must grapple with new labor dynamics. Writers, artists, and designers may find their roles evolving, requiring them to collaborate with AI rather than compete against it.
Some experts argue that the future will involve hybrid workflows, where human creators provide high‑level direction and AI handles repetitive or data‑driven tasks. For former employees like Sacco, the experience highlights the personal impact of these technological transitions. Her claim that she was removed mid‑project and supplanted by ChatGPT suggests a sudden shift in the studio’s priorities. While Karch’s apology indicates a willingness to make amends, the specifics of any restitution—whether financial compensation, public acknowledgment, or a role in future projects—have not been detailed.
The broader gaming community has responded with a mix of criticism and curiosity. Some commentators argue that dismissing a writer in favor of a language model is a short‑sighted cost‑cutting measure that undermines narrative quality. Others point out that AI can serve as a valuable tool when used responsibly, augmenting human talent rather than replacing it outright.
As the debate continues, Saber Interactive’s next steps will be closely watched. Will the studio refine its AI policy, offer clearer guidelines for staff, and ensure that future AI disclosures are made before launch?
Will they engage with the concerns raised by Sacco and other creators about job security and creative ownership? The answers to these questions could set precedents for how other developers navigate the delicate balance between innovation and respect for human labor. In summary, Saber Interactive has added an AI disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after allegations that a writer was ousted and replaced by ChatGPT.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized, acknowledging his impulsive reaction to criticism and expressing a desire to make amends. The incident highlights the challenges of integrating AI into game development, the importance of transparency, and the need for thoughtful policies that protect both creative integrity and the workforce behind it.