Saber Interactive has taken the step of adding an explicit artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a heated dispute surfaced surrounding the company’s treatment of a writer and the alleged substitution of human‑crafted text with AI‑generated material. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s page, is intended to clarify the extent to which machine‑learning tools were employed during development and to address concerns raised by the community and the media. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber CEO Matt Karch concerning former writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024.
Ms. Sacco has claimed that she was removed from the Rideshare project midway through its production and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by ChatGPT, alongside other undisclosed AI applications used throughout the game's creation.
In response, Mr. Karch has stated that Ms. Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added that "in retrospect [he] would have been happy to replace her with AI."" The controversy began when Sacco, a narrative designer who had contributed to early scripts, world‑building, and character dialogue for Rideshare Simulator, publicly alleged that she was abruptly dismissed and that her work was supplanted by content generated by ChatGPT.
She further suggested that the studio had employed additional AI tools for tasks such as level description, UI copy, and even some aspects of quest design, none of which had been disclosed to the public or to the development team at large. Matt Karch, the chief executive officer of Saber Interactive, responded in a series of interviews and social‑media posts. In an interview with the podcast "This Week In Videogames," Karch said, "Stella who?
I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." He went on to explain that the company had already been transparent about using AI for certain components of the game, noting that Rideshare would be a lower‑priced title and that AI integration was viewed as a consumer benefit, potentially lowering production costs and allowing for more frequent updates. Karch’s comments sparked a backlash, prompting him to issue a more conciliatory statement on the professional networking platform LinkedIn.
In that post 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 I responded. It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." He expressed a desire to make amends and indicated that the company would be reviewing its internal communication protocols to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Sacco posted on the micro‑blogging service BlueSky over the weekend, 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." The episode has ignited a broader discussion within the gaming industry about the ethical use of AI, the rights of creative staff, and the transparency owed to both employees and consumers.
Critics argue that replacing a human writer with a language model without proper acknowledgment undermines the value of professional storytelling and may set a precedent for cost‑cutting at the expense of artistic integrity. Supporters of AI integration contend that tools like ChatGPT can accelerate production, handle repetitive copy, and free human creators to focus on higher‑level design and narrative nuance.
In response to the controversy, Saber Interactive has pledged to provide a detailed breakdown of which specific game elements were generated or assisted by AI, ranging from in‑game signage to tutorial prompts. The company also announced that it would establish an internal ethics board to evaluate future AI usage, ensuring that any deployment of machine‑learning technology aligns with industry standards and respects the contributions of human creators.
The situation underscores a shifting landscape where developers must balance innovative technology with responsible labor practices. As AI continues to evolve, studios like Saber Interactive will likely face increasing scrutiny from players, journalists, and advocacy groups demanding clear disclosure and fair treatment of creative staff. The added disclaimer on the Steam page represents a tangible step toward greater transparency, but the long‑term impact on industry norms remains to be seen.
Ultimately, the episode serves as a cautionary tale: while artificial intelligence offers powerful new capabilities for game development, it also raises complex questions about authorship, accountability, and the human element that lies at the heart of compelling interactive experiences. Saber Interactive’s handling of the issue—through public apologies, policy revisions, and an explicit AI notice—may set a benchmark for how other studios navigate similar challenges in the years ahead.