Saber Interactive denies replacing writers with AI amid controversy

Saber Interactive generative AI game development Stella Sacco Rideshare Stimulator

A public dispute has erupted between Saber Interactive and former lead writer Stella Sacco regarding the use of generative AI in the development of the game ‘Rideshare Stimulator’. Sacco alleged on social media that she was replaced by ChatGPT midway through the project and that AI was used for passenger voices.

Saber Interactive has denied these claims, stating that the core story was written entirely by humans and that their writing staff has actually tripled since 2023. However, the company acknowledged using AI for an experimental ‘Free Ride’ mode to generate dialogue for an infinite number of passengers. Following the controversy, Saber confirmed it will add an AI disclosure label to the game’s Steam page.

The situation escalated when Saber CEO Matthew Karch issued a combative statement, claiming Sacco violated a non-disclosure agreement. Karch also made controversial remarks, stating that in retrospect, he would have been ‘happy to replace her with AI’ because it is programmed for honesty. Sacco responded by calling the CEO’s remarks ‘remarkably pathetic’ and argued the dispute would damage the company’s reputation.

Entities

Matthew Karch · Rideshare Stimulator · Rideshare Stimulator · Saber Interactive · Stella Sacco · UNIGINE

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] Former lead writer Stella Sacco claims she was replaced by ChatGPT during the development of Rideshare Stimulator. www.nouvelles-du-monde.com · time.news · www.world-today-news.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The game utilizes generative AI for an experimental free-ride mode to manage dynamic passenger entities. www.nouvelles-du-monde.com · www.world-today-news.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The studio's writing staff has tripled since 2023. time.news · www.world-today-news.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch denies that any writers were replaced by AI for the game or any other project. www.nouvelles-du-monde.com · time.news · www.world-today-news.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Sacco alleges that the game's Steam page lacks disclosure regarding the use of AI. time.news