Saber Interactive has taken the step of attaching an artificial‑intelligence disclaimer to the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, after a wave of criticism erupted over claims that the company had dismissed a human writer in favor of AI‑generated text. The notice, which now appears prominently on the game’s Steam page, is intended to clarify the studio’s stance on AI and to address the concerns raised by former employee Stella Sacco. The full disclaimer reads as follows: "This update follows remarks made by Saber Interactive CEO Matt Karch concerning writer Stella Sacco, who was employed by the studio from July 2023 until July 2024.
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 used during the game's creation." In a public statement, Karch countered Sacco’s accusations, asserting that she was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and further added that "in hindsight I would have been comfortable replacing her with AI." He continued, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," a remark he made during an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames.
Karch also noted, "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." He framed the use of AI as a consumer benefit, stating, "We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower‑priced title, as a plus for consumers." This positioning reflects a growing industry trend where developers tout AI tools as cost‑saving measures that can potentially enhance player experience, especially in smaller‑budget projects. The controversy intensified over the weekend when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky, describing Karch’s response as an "unreserved apology 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, for his part, issued a separate public comment on LinkedIn, acknowledging his emotional reaction.
"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," he admitted. "It happens and I am a human being. I have done what I can to rectify." The episode has sparked a broader discussion within the gaming community about the ethical implications of replacing human creative staff with AI. Critics argue that while AI can assist with routine tasks—such as generating placeholder text, translating dialogue, or creating procedural content—relying on it to supplant a dedicated writer raises questions about artistic integrity, labor practices, and the value placed on human storytelling.
Industry observers note that the use of AI in game development is not new. Large studios have experimented with machine‑learning models to produce concept art, design levels, and even compose music. However, the transparency surrounding these practices varies widely.
Some companies openly credit AI contributions, while others remain vague, leading to speculation and, at times, backlash when employees feel their roles are being undermined. In the case of Rideshare Simulator, the title is positioned as an affordable, niche experience that simulates the day‑to‑day operations of a rideshare driver. By labeling it a "lower‑priced title," Saber Interactive appears to be justifying the integration of AI as a cost‑effective measure that can keep the retail price accessible to a broader audience. The company’s official stance suggests that the AI tools are being used for "certain parts of the game," though the exact scope—whether it involves narrative scripts, UI copy, or in‑game prompts—has not been fully disclosed.
The apology from Karch, while publicly acknowledged, leaves many unanswered questions. Sacco’s acceptance of the apology does not necessarily resolve the underlying dispute about whether her dismissal was justified or whether AI was indeed used to replace her contributions.
Moreover, the phrase "shot first and thought second" implies a reactive, perhaps impulsive, communication style that may have exacerbated the situation. From a legal perspective, the allegations could intersect with employment law, particularly if a worker can demonstrate that they were terminated due to the introduction of AI technology that made their role redundant. While no formal legal action has been reported, the scenario underscores the need for clear policies and transparent communication when integrating AI into creative pipelines. Looking ahead, Saber Interactive’s decision to add a disclaimer signals an attempt to regain trust with its community and with industry peers.
By openly acknowledging the presence of AI, the studio may hope to preempt further speculation and demonstrate compliance with emerging standards for AI disclosure. As regulators and platform holders like Steam consider guidelines for AI usage, such transparency could become a requirement rather than a voluntary gesture. For players and fans of Rideshare Simulator, the controversy may influence expectations about the game's narrative depth and authenticity. Some may view AI‑generated content as a novelty, while others might worry that the human touch—particularly in writing nuanced dialogue and character interactions—could be diminished.
In summary, Saber Interactive’s recent actions reflect a microcosm of the larger debate over AI in creative industries. The company has publicly recognized the concerns raised by a former writer, added an AI disclaimer to its Steam page, and the CEO has offered an apology that acknowledges his emotional response.
Whether these steps are sufficient to satisfy critics or to set a precedent for future AI disclosures remains to be seen, but the incident certainly adds another chapter to the evolving conversation about technology, labor, and creativity in video game development.