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. The move comes after a heated dispute that centered on accusations that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools.
The controversy sparked a broader conversation about the ethical boundaries of AI in creative industries, prompting the company to be more transparent about its practices. The full text of the newly added AI 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." By publishing this notice, Saber aims to address community concerns and demonstrate a willingness to be open about the role that machine‑learning models played in shaping the game's narrative and marketing copy.
The backstory began when former writer Stella Sacco publicly claimed that she was let go from the Rideshare Simulator project partway through its production cycle and that her responsibilities were subsequently filled by the language model ChatGPT. Sacco further alleged that the studio had employed additional, undisclosed AI tools in various stages of the game's creation, ranging from dialogue generation to in‑game text prompts. Her statements quickly attracted attention from gaming journalists and online forums, where many users debated whether the use of AI constituted a breach of professional ethics or simply a cost‑saving measure.
In response to the allegations, Matt Karch, the chief executive of Saber Interactive, issued a statement attempting to clarify the situation. He asserted that Sacco had been "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." Karch's remarks were interpreted by some as an admission that the studio had indeed considered, or even executed, a substitution of human labor with artificial intelligence. During an interview with the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch further elaborated on his perspective.
He said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," indicating that he had not personally met the writer in question. 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 integration of AI as a benefit for consumers, noting that the game would be positioned as a lower‑priced title and that AI‑driven efficiencies could help keep costs down while delivering a polished experience.
The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on the social platform 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." Her comment suggested a tentative reconciliation, though she emphasized that the path forward remained unclear.
Karch later posted a separate comment on LinkedIn, offering a more personal reflection on the incident. 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," acknowledging that his initial reaction was impulsive. He added, "It happens and I am a human being.
I have done what I can to rectify," signaling an intention to take corrective actions, though he did not detail specific steps beyond the Steam disclaimer. The broader implications of this episode touch on several key issues within the gaming industry. First, the use of AI for content creation raises questions about authorship, compensation, and the value placed on human creativity. While AI can accelerate certain tasks—such as generating placeholder text, localising dialogue, or suggesting narrative branches—replacing a dedicated writer with a language model can be perceived as undermining professional standards.
Second, transparency becomes crucial when studios adopt AI tools. By openly disclosing AI involvement, companies can maintain trust with their audience and avoid accusations of deception. Industry observers note that the controversy is part of a growing trend where developers experiment with AI to streamline production pipelines.
Some studios have reported success using AI to prototype level designs or to draft character bios, while others caution that over‑reliance on automated systems may lead to homogenised storytelling and a loss of nuanced human perspective. The debate continues about where the line should be drawn between assistance and substitution. For players of Rideshare Simulator, the immediate effect of the AI disclaimer is primarily informational.
The game itself remains unchanged in terms of gameplay mechanics, graphics, or core features. However, the notice may influence consumer perception, especially among those who value handcrafted narratives. It also sets a precedent for other developers who might consider similar disclosures. In summary, Saber Interactive's decision to add an AI usage disclaimer to the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator reflects an effort to address community concerns after a public dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco.
CEO Matt Karch has publicly apologized for his earlier remarks, acknowledging a hasty response and expressing a desire to make amends. The incident underscores the ongoing conversation about AI's role in game development, the importance of transparency, and the need to balance technological efficiency with respect for creative talent.