Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding a formal AI usage disclaimer to the Steam store page for its title Rideshare Simulator after a wave of controversy erupted surrounding claims that the company had dismissed a writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s storefront, is intended to clarify the studio’s stance on artificial‑intelligence tools and to address the accusations that were raised by former employee Stella Sacco.
The full text of the new 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." In the wake of Sacco’s statements, Karch publicly responded, asserting that the writer had been "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and adding a candid reflection: "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 confirmed that the studio was indeed employing artificial‑intelligence technology for specific aspects of the game and promised to update the Steam page once the feature list was finalized. "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers," he explained, positioning the technology as a benefit rather than a controversy.
The CEO’s remarks sparked a flurry of discussion across social media platforms, with many users questioning the ethics of substituting human writers with machine‑generated prose, especially in a narrative‑driven simulation. Over the weekend, Sacco took to the social network BlueSky to share her perspective on the unfolding drama. In her post, she wrote 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 also posted a separate comment on LinkedIn, attempting to contextualise his earlier reaction. 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 exchange highlights a broader industry conversation about the role of AI in game development.
While many studios are experimenting with machine‑learning tools to generate textures, dialogue, or procedural content, the ethical line becomes blurred when those tools replace creative staff members. Critics argue that AI should augment human creativity, not supplant it, especially when it comes to storytelling, character development, and nuanced writing—areas where lived experience and emotional insight are paramount. For Saber Interactive, the situation serves as a cautionary tale. The company now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its community and its own workforce.
By adding the disclaimer, Saber signals a willingness to be more transparent about its development pipeline. However, the effectiveness of that transparency will depend on how consistently the studio follows through on its promises and whether it can demonstrate that AI is being used responsibly, without compromising the integrity of the creative process. Industry observers note that this incident may prompt other developers to pre‑emptively disclose AI usage in their games, either through store‑page notices, in‑game credits, or public statements.
Such proactive communication could mitigate backlash and set clearer expectations for players who care deeply about the authenticity of narrative content. In summary, Saber Interactive’s decision to post an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an attempt to address mounting criticism after former writer Stella Sacco alleged she was replaced by ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized, acknowledging his impulsive reaction to earlier comments and expressing a desire to make amends.
The episode underscores the delicate balance studios must strike when integrating AI into creative workflows, and it may influence how transparency around such technologies evolves across the gaming industry.