Saber Interactive and CEO Matt Karch Respond to Former Writer's AI Claims

Stella Sacco, who says she was the lead writer on Saber Interactive's upcoming title Rideshare "Stimulator," posted on social media that the company replaced her with ChatGPT midway through development and used AI-generated voices for in-game passengers. She also alleged that the game’s Steam page does not disclose the use of AI.

Saber Interactive responded to PC Gamer, stating that no writers were replaced by AI on Rideshare or any other project and that its writing staff has grown since 2023. The company said the game’s story was written by human writers and that AI is used only in an experimental free-ride mode to manage an unlimited number of passenger NPCs. Saber added that it employs over 3,000 staff and that none are at risk of being replaced by AI.

Sacco reiterated her claim in a follow-up comment to PC Gamer, saying she was removed from the project and that ChatGPT was used to complete the script and planned live updates. She criticized CEO Matt Karch for what she described as using the AI decision as publicity.

Matt Karch later issued a statement to the trade outlet TWIVG, acknowledging that AI is used for certain parts of the game and promising an update to the Steam page once the feature set is finalized. He also said the company intends to disclose AI usage when ready and described the AI integration as a benefit for consumers.

The exchange has drawn attention within the video-game industry, highlighting ongoing debates over AI deployment in game development and the transparency of its use.

"We have already said we are using AI for certain parts of the game and will update the Steam page once we have finalized the feature set," Karch said.

"We look at our use of AI in this particular game, which will be a lower priced title, as a plus for consumers," he added.