Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam storefront for its upcoming title, Rideshare Simulator, by adding a clear disclaimer about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The move comes after a heated dispute that erupted when former writer Stella Sacco claimed she was removed from the project midway and that her responsibilities were taken over by a large‑language model, specifically ChatGPT.
Sacco, who was employed by Saber from July 2023 until July 2024, alleged that the studio not only substituted her with AI‑generated text but also employed other undisclosed AI tools throughout the production pipeline. In light of these accusations, the company posted a full statement on the Steam page, detailing the steps it has taken and the rationale behind the AI integration. The notice reads, in part, that the studio has chosen to incorporate AI for certain elements of the game, positioning this decision as a benefit for consumers, especially given that Rideshare Simulator is intended to be a lower‑priced offering.
The disclaimer also promises that the Steam listing will be further updated once the final set of AI‑related features has been locked down. CEO Matt Karch responded publicly to the controversy in several venues, including an interview with the podcast "This Week In Videogames" and a series of posts on the social networking platform BlueSky.
When asked about Sacco’s claim that she was replaced by ChatGPT, Karch said she was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added, "in retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." He also admitted that he had never actually met or spoken with Sacco, quipping, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her." The situation escalated when Sacco took to BlueSky over the weekend to share a screenshot of a private apology from Karch. She wrote that the CEO had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press" and expressed that she had stood firm from the beginning, insisting that her account of events was truthful.
Sacco noted that Karch had expressed a desire to "make it right," though she was uncertain what concrete steps that might entail and said she would need time to consider the offer. Karch later posted a separate, more personal statement on LinkedIn, acknowledging his own emotional reaction. He wrote, "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 admission highlighted the impulsive nature of his initial public remarks and his subsequent attempts to correct the narrative. The controversy touches on broader industry debates about the role of AI in creative fields. While some developers argue that AI can streamline repetitive tasks, generate placeholder assets, or even assist with narrative brainstorming, critics warn that over‑reliance on machine‑generated content can marginalise human talent and erode the authenticity of storytelling.
In this case, the claim that a professional writer was dismissed in favor of a language model sparked concerns about labor practices and transparency. Saber Interactive’s decision to add an explicit AI disclaimer can be seen as an effort to align with emerging best practices and regulatory expectations. Several platforms, including Steam, have begun to require developers to disclose AI usage, especially when it impacts consumer expectations or raises ethical questions. By publicly acknowledging the integration of AI, Saber aims to pre‑empt further backlash and provide players with a clearer picture of what to expect from the final product.
From a consumer standpoint, the disclaimer may influence purchasing decisions. Players who value handcrafted narratives might view the AI component as a negative, fearing a loss of nuance and emotional depth.
Conversely, gamers who appreciate innovative technology could see the AI usage as a forward‑thinking feature that might enable more dynamic in‑game interactions or quicker content updates. The studio’s positioning of AI as a "plus for consumers" suggests they are betting on the latter perspective, hoping that the cost savings and development speed will translate into a better overall experience at a lower price point. Looking ahead, the resolution of this dispute will likely depend on how Saber Interactive chooses to address Sacco’s grievances and whether the company implements clearer internal policies regarding AI.
An apology, while a positive step, may not be sufficient if the underlying concerns about job displacement and lack of transparency remain unresolved. Industry observers will be watching to see if the studio offers any form of restitution, such as a severance package, public acknowledgment of Sacco’s contributions, or a concrete plan for future AI disclosures.
In summary, Saber Interactive has taken the concrete step of adding an AI usage disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after a contentious episode involving former writer Stella Sacco’s claims of being replaced by ChatGPT. CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized, admitting to an impulsive reaction and expressing a willingness to make amends. The episode underscores the growing pains of integrating AI into game development and highlights the importance of transparency, ethical labor practices, and clear communication with both creators and consumers.
The ultimate impact on the game’s reception and on Saber’s reputation will hinge on how the studio navigates these challenges moving forward.