Rideshare “Stimulator” was announced nearly two weeks ago, but the driving game attracted wider attention after former lead writer Stella Sacco alleged that Saber Interactive replaced her with ChatGPT during development.
Sacco worked as a narrative designer and lead writer at Saber Interactive on Stuntman Hollywood and other projects until 2024. She said the publisher introduced generative AI to Rideshare “Stimulator” and had not disclosed its involvement on the game’s Steam page. She also claimed the decision came from Saber rather than Unigine, the studio developing the title.
Saber rejected the allegation that writers had been replaced with AI. However, the publisher acknowledged that generative AI would be used in the previously undisclosed “free ride” mode. The company described that feature as experimental and said AI was necessary because it would involve an infinite number of passengers.
In its response to PC Gamer, Saber stated that neither it nor Unigine had replaced writers with AI on Rideshare or any other game. The company said its Steam page would be updated once the feature set had been finalised. The dispute has since become a prominent subject in arcade and gaming news.
Sacco challenged that explanation, saying writing the game had been her responsibility until an executive decided ChatGPT would generate positive publicity. She later expanded on her allegations on social media, claiming her manager repeatedly argued that the project already had an experienced writer who could handle live content. Sacco said a senior executive nevertheless believed players would respond favourably to new technology.
Matthew Karch responds personally
Saber CEO Matthew Karch has now addressed the dispute directly in a new statement to This Week In Video Games. Karch confirmed that AI is being used in “certain parts” of the game and said the Steam listing would eventually explain more once the feature set was settled.
His statement began by questioning who Sacco was and saying he had asked Claude about her. Karch maintained that the complete story script would be credited to a human capable of accepting an award, and said Saber had intended to disclose its AI use before Sacco allegedly breached a confidentiality clause.
Karch called the AI implementation a benefit for consumers because Rideshare “Stimulator” would be a lower-priced title. He also said Sacco had been replaced by “someone more talented” and terminated several months later for a range of reasons.
He added that, in hindsight, he would have been willing to replace her with AI, arguing that it would at least involve something programmed to be honest.
Sacco replied that Karch was lashing out because he did not want the extent of the game’s AI use to become public. She stood by her claims and said the CEO’s statement, together with the undisclosed AI involvement, could damage Saber’s reputation more than the controversy could harm her own.
Steam users question AI disclosure
The previously quiet discussion area on Rideshare’s Steam page has since filled with debate about the game’s AI systems and the lack of earlier disclosure on Valve’s storefront. Saber’s stated position is that studios and publishers should decide how much information to provide about generative AI and when to provide it.
The argument connects with broader interest in driving and racing simulators, particularly games built around repeatable or procedurally generated content. Readers exploring the wider arcade video landscape can also view the game’s short trailer teasing its gig-economy driving-sim satire.
For now, Rideshare “Stimulator” is being discussed not only as a gig-economy driving satire, but also as a case study in authorship, generative AI disclosure and how a publisher responds when a former developer raises concerns. Those weighing up a home gaming setup can browse RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide for a separate look at choosing dedicated hardware.
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