The CEO of Saber Interactive addresses allegations regarding the replacement of a writer with artificial intelligence

Interior view from a car dashboard at night, showing a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system with various app icons, overlooking a rainy city street with illuminated buildings, parked cars, streetlights, and a person standing by a parking meter.

Image credit: Saber Interactive

Update, August 13, 2026: Matt Karch, the CEO of Saber Interactive, responded to claims that ChatGPT replaced Stella Sacco, the former lead writer, on Rideshare Simulator. Karch explained to This Week In Video Games that Sacco had breached a confidentiality agreement and was replaced "by someone more talented," ultimately being terminated for multiple reasons.

In his own words:

Stella who? I consulted Claude as I never interacted with her. We have already communicated that AI is used in portions of the game, and updates to the Steam page will reflect the finalized features.

To clarify, any award for the story script would credit someone present to accept it. Our AI usage for this lower-priced title is intended as a consumer benefit.

Sacco was replaced by someone more skilled and let go for several reasons. From my understanding, she finds controversy entertaining. I might have preferred an AI replacement due to its honesty.

Karch added that the game’s Steam page, currently lacking AI disclosure, "will be updated once the feature set is finalized."

"We are not hiding the experimental mode,” he remarked.

Stella Sacco reacted on social media:

The statement by Matt Karch, Saber Entertainment’s CEO, is appalling and seems aimed at deflecting the unwanted attention about AI use in the game.

I stand by what I've disclosed, and his remarks are damaging to Saber’s image. The true harm is to Saber’s reputation, not mine.

I appreciate the support, and stand by my principles, ensuring transparency.

Original Story, August 12, 2026: Saber Interactive denied replacing a writer with ChatGPT for their upcoming game, Rideshare Stimulator.

This followed accusations by Stella Sacco, who claims her position as lead writer was taken over during development. Her Bluesky account describes how ChatGPT supposedly took over her role, asserting that AI voices were also implemented.

She noted the decision came despite warnings to the CEO about potential backlash from players against AI, reminiscent of reactions in December 2023.

In contrast, the company told PC Gamer that no writers had been replaced by AI and affirmed an expansion of their writing staff.

They mentioned the game includes an experimental mode relying on AI to handle an infinite number of passengers, a tool for enhancing gameplay without replacing employees.

Sacco maintains her narrative, pointing to past social media posts asserting ChatGPT was involved, even if plans have changed.

The game's Steam page currently omits AI disclosure.

Earlier, GamesIndustry.biz had focused a week on AI’s role in game development, including its impact on coding and other areas.