Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront 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 dispute erupted when former writer Stella Sacco claimed that she was removed from the project midway and that her responsibilities were taken over by a language model, specifically ChatGPT. Sacco also suggested that other, undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the creation of the simulation, raising concerns about transparency and the treatment of human staff. The full text of the newly added AI notice 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." By placing this statement on the Steam page, Saber aims to inform potential buyers that some portions of the game's narrative, dialogue, or marketing copy may have been generated or assisted by AI systems.
In the wake of Sacco's allegations, Matt Karch responded publicly, offering a mixed explanation. He said that Sacco "was replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added a candid reflection: "In retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." This admission sparked further controversy because it appeared to validate the claim that the studio had indeed considered, if not executed, an AI substitution for a human writer. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch made a surprising comment: "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." The reference to "Claude"—another AI model—underscored the extent to which the CEO was relying on artificial intelligence even in his own communication.
He continued, "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." Karch 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." The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on the social network BlueSky over the weekend, noting 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 statement 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." This acknowledgment of an impulsive response was meant to soften the perception of his earlier harsh remarks, but many observers noted that the apology seemed to focus more on his own emotional state than on the substantive concerns raised by Sacco. The controversy touches on several broader industry trends. First, the increasing adoption of AI tools for content generation is reshaping how video game studios approach writing, design, and even marketing.
While AI can accelerate production and reduce costs, it also raises ethical questions about the displacement of skilled human creators and the transparency owed to both employees and consumers. Second, the public nature of the dispute highlights how social media platforms—Twitter, BlueSky, LinkedIn—serve as battlegrounds where corporate reputations are defended and challenged in real time. From a legal perspective, there are no known contractual breaches reported in this case, but the situation could set a precedent for how studios disclose AI involvement. Some jurisdictions are beginning to consider regulations that would require clear labeling of AI-generated content, especially in media that traditionally relies on human creativity.
By proactively adding the disclaimer, Saber may be attempting to stay ahead of potential regulatory scrutiny. For gamers and potential buyers, the practical implication is that certain textual elements within Rideshare Simulator—such as mission briefings, character dialogue, or in‑game tutorials—might be partially or wholly authored by AI.
This does not necessarily diminish the playability of the simulation, but it may affect the nuance and personality that a human writer typically injects into narrative-driven experiences. The episode also serves as a cautionary tale for studio leadership about the importance of clear internal communication and respectful treatment of staff. Sacco's claim that she was dismissed without adequate explanation, followed by a public apology that seemed to focus on Karch's emotional reaction rather than on restitution, left many observers questioning whether the company's culture supports open dialogue and fair labor practices.
In summary, Saber Interactive has taken the step of publicly acknowledging AI usage in Rideshare Simulator by adding a disclaimer to its Steam page. CEO Matt Karch has issued an apology to former writer Stella Sacco, admitting that his initial response was impulsive and that he was "triggered" by subsequent comments.
The incident underscores the growing tension between AI efficiency and human creativity in the gaming industry, while also highlighting the need for transparent communication with both employees and the gaming community. As AI tools become more pervasive, studios will likely face increasing pressure to balance cost savings with ethical responsibilities, ensuring that creators are respected and that consumers are fully informed about the origins of the content they enjoy.