Saber Interactive CEO Doubles Down on AI Use and Dismisses Former Writer Following Rideshare Stimulator Backlash
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch has doubled down on using generative AI in the upcoming game Rideshare Stimulator, sparking a public dispute with the title's former lead writer over labor and transparency.
Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch is facing heavy criticism after publicly defending the use of generative AI in the studio's upcoming game, Rideshare Stimulator. The controversy erupted when the game's former lead writer, Stella Sacco, stated on social media that she was let go midway through development and replaced by ChatGPT, with passenger dialogue also generated entirely by AI. Sacco noted that the title lacked the required AI disclosure on Steam at the time of its reveal.
While Saber initially denied replacing any writers with AI in statements to the gaming press, Karch later confirmed that the title utilizes generative technology for specific features, including an infinite passenger mode. In subsequent comments to industry outlets, Karch dismissed Sacco's contributions and took a combative stance, stating he would have been happy to replace her with AI directly. Sacco responded strongly to the remarks, arguing that the leadership's defensive reaction highlights an attempt to obscure the game's reliance on generative tools.
The dispute highlights a growing friction point in the industry regarding transparency and labor as more studios experiment with generative tools. With players and developers increasingly drawing lines over AI implementation in creative pipelines, executive messaging of this nature risks alienating the community. Original reporting comes from Elijah Gonzalez at Polygon, with additional details sourced via IGN, PC Gamer, and This Week In Video Games.
Original Source: Polygon
Tags: Saber Interactive, AI, Rideshare Stimulator, Industry News, PC Gaming
Original article: Polygon