Stella Sacco’s social media claims spark industry-wide controversy
Saber Interactive is facing public scrutiny and denying allegations that a lead writer was replaced by ChatGPT during the production of the upcoming game Rideshare Stimulator. The controversy highlights growing sensitivities around generative artificial intelligence in the video game industry, where studios increasingly balance automated tools against creative workforces.
The dispute emerged following public statements from former lead writer Stella Sacco. She asserted on social media that she was replaced by ChatGPT. Sacco additionally claimed that passenger voice lines within the game were generated using artificial intelligence.
Unigine and Saber Interactive push back against substitution claims
Rideshare Stimulator is developed by Unigine and published by Saber Interactive, casting players in the role of a driver transporting passengers with individual stories and personalities.
Saber Interactive issued a direct denial regarding the allegations. According to the publisher, neither Saber nor Unigine has replaced human writers with artificial intelligence on Rideshare Stimulator or any other projects. The company stated that its internal writing staff has tripled since 2023, emphasizing that the core narrative of Rideshare Stimulator was written entirely by human authors.
Experimental Free-Ride mode to utilize limited generative systems
Despite pushing back against claims of substituting writers, Saber confirmed that generative artificial intelligence will feature in specific, limited capacities within the game.
The studio plans to utilize AI technology for an experimental “Free-Ride” mode. According to development parameters, this mode aims to support a virtually limitless pool of distinct passengers, requiring generative systems to dynamically build extra interactions and content.
CEO Matthew Karch reacts sharply to online backlash
Saber CEO Matthew Karch addressed the backlash publicly, reacting sharply to the ongoing debate.
The executive reaffirmed that while artificial intelligence supports specific components of the game, human creators authored the story.
Steam storefront updates planned to clarify AI usage scope
The publisher announced plans to update the game’s Steam storefront page to reflect the precise scope of artificial intelligence tools once the final feature set is locked in.
The clash between Sacco’s assertions and the publisher’s clarifications underscores broader industry tensions surrounding creative automation in game development.