Saber Interactive has recently updated the Steam store page 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 over claims that the studio had dismissed a writer working on the project and substituted her contributions with text generated by AI tools.
The controversy has drawn attention not only to the ethical considerations surrounding AI in creative industries but also to the internal dynamics of Saber Interactive and the public statements made by its chief executive, Matt Karch. The newly added notice reads in full: "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." According to the disclaimer, the studio acknowledges that a former employee, Stella Sacco, was involved with the project for roughly a year before being taken off the team. Sacco publicly alleged that her role was terminated and that the responsibilities she once held were handed over to an AI language model, specifically ChatGPT. She also hinted that additional, undisclosed AI tools had been employed throughout the game's creation, raising questions about transparency and the extent to which AI contributed to the final product.
In a series of interviews and social‑media posts, Matt Karch responded to these allegations. He initially claimed that Sacco was "replaced by someone more talented and terminated for a variety of reasons a few months later," and added a rather startling remark: "In retrospect I would have been happy to replace her with AI." This comment sparked further outrage, as many interpreted it as an admission that the studio might prioritize cost‑saving technology over human creativity. When pressed by the podcast This Week In Videogames, Karch appeared flustered.
He said, "Stella who? I had to ask Claude because I have never spoken to her or seen her," referring to Claude, an AI assistant, as if it could provide him with information about a real person he allegedly never met. 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 tried to frame 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." He suggested that integrating AI could lower production costs, potentially resulting in a more affordable price point for players. However, critics argued that the statement sidestepped the core issue of whether the studio had been forthright about replacing a human writer with a machine.
The dispute took another turn when Sacco posted on the social platform BlueSky over the weekend. In her message, she wrote that Karch had "apologised unreservedly for the awful way he spoke about me in the press." She emphasized that she had stood by her account from the beginning, saying, "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." Sacco also noted that Karch expressed a desire to "make it right" with her, though she admitted she was uncertain what that would look like and needed time to consider his offer.
Following Sacco's post, Karch issued a separate public statement on LinkedIn, attempting to explain his earlier 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 of a knee‑jerk response was meant to humanise his mistake, but many observers felt it fell short of a genuine apology or concrete corrective action. The broader conversation sparked by this episode touches on several important themes in the gaming industry. First, the role of AI in content creation is still being defined.
While AI can assist with tasks such as generating dialogue, procedural content, or localization, the replacement of a dedicated writer raises concerns about artistic integrity and labor practices. Second, transparency with consumers is increasingly expected.
Players who purchase a game want to know how much of the experience is crafted by human hands versus algorithmic assistance, especially when price points are positioned as "budget" or "lower‑priced" options. Moreover, the incident underscores the importance of professional communication. Karch's impulsive remarks, including the claim that he would have been happy to replace a human writer with AI, illustrate how quickly statements can inflame public sentiment.
His later clarification that he was "triggered" and reacted before thinking highlights a common pitfall for executives navigating sensitive topics in real time. In response to the backlash, Saber Interactive's decision to add an explicit AI disclaimer to the Steam page can be seen as a step toward greater openness. The disclaimer serves to inform prospective buyers that AI tools have been employed, though it does not detail the exact scope of usage. This level of disclosure may satisfy some players while leaving others wanting more granular information about which assets, narrative elements, or design decisions were influenced by AI.
Looking ahead, the industry is likely to see more guidelines and possibly regulatory frameworks addressing AI usage in game development. Companies may need to establish clear internal policies that balance efficiency gains with ethical considerations, ensuring that human creators are respected and that any AI assistance is disclosed in a manner that does not mislead consumers. For Saber Interactive, the episode may serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of clear communication, respectful treatment of staff, and thoughtful integration of emerging technologies.
While AI offers powerful tools that can streamline certain aspects of production, the human element—particularly in storytelling and narrative design—remains a valued component that many players and creators alike cherish. In summary, Saber Interactive has placed an AI disclaimer on the Steam page for Rideshare Simulator after a public dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco and CEO Matt Karch. Karch's initial defensive comments, subsequent apology, and admission of a hasty reaction have been widely discussed.
The situation highlights ongoing debates about AI's role in game creation, the necessity for transparency with consumers, and the professional conduct expected from industry leaders. The studio's new disclaimer aims to address some of these concerns, but the conversation about ethical AI usage in gaming is far from settled.