Saber Interactive has denied allegations that it replaced a lead writer with ChatGPT on its upcoming driving sim Rideshare 'Stimulator', but confirmed the game uses generative AI in an experimental free-ride mode. The controversy erupted after narrative designer Stella Sacco, who claims she was the lead writer on the project, posted on Bluesky that she was replaced by the AI chatbot midway through development.
Accusations and Response
In a post following the game's reveal, Sacco wrote, 'I didn’t even see this had been announced. I was lead writer on this one! And Saber replaced me with ChatGPT midway through development. All the passenger voices were AI too. Either they changed direction at some point or they’re not disclosing it on Steam.' She also shared a December 2023 social media post where she stated, 'I got replaced on one of my games at work. By ChatGPT.'
According to Sacco's LinkedIn profile, she was employed at Saber Interactive as a lead writer from July 2023 to July 2024, working on Stuntman Hollywood and 'other games'. In a follow-up post, she clarified that the decision to replace her was made by 'one to two AI dummy higher-ups at Saber', and she had no issue with developer Unigine, which developed Rideshare 'Stimulator' with Saber as publisher. Sacco also claimed Saber wanted to use AI because 'gamers love new tech', making it 'great marketing'.
Saber's Statement and AI Confirmation
In a statement to PC Gamer, Saber Interactive denied the allegations but confirmed the game does use generative AI in other areas. 'Neither Saber nor Unigine have replaced any writers with AI for Rideshare or any other game,' the statement read. 'In fact, Saber’s staff of writers has tripled since 2023. Rideshare’s story was written entirely by real people. The game will also feature an experimental, free-ride mode that by necessity incorporates AI as the number of passengers in the game is infinite.'
The statement continued: 'We are firm believers in using AI tools to improve or enhance gameplay experiences and improve NPC behaviour as we have done since Saber was founded in 2001. As the industry has continued to contract, Saber continues to hire. None of our 3000+ employees have to worry about being replaced by AI.' At the time of writing, no AI disclosure appears on the game's Steam page.
Reaction and Context
Sacco has since branded Saber's statement as 'nonsense', claiming the publisher took her 'off the project to use ChatGPT to write the rest of the text' and 'planned live updates'. She added, 'If they changed plans in the intervening years, that’s great, but again: I was there, and it was my job to write the game, and then it wasn’t once [Saber CEO] Matt Karch decided using ChatGPT would be great publicity for the game.'
The game has also drawn attention for an intentional dig at Gearbox president Randy Pitchford, referencing a 2018 incident involving 'barely legal' porn on a USB stick. According to Karch, the digs are included because Pitchford 'took shots' at Embracer, which previously owned both Saber and Gearbox, in last year's Borderlands 4. Karch told Game File, 'Without Embracer, Randy is performing magic tricks at birthday parties for a living.'
The use of generative AI in game development remains a sensitive issue, with titles like Call Of Duty using AI-generated artwork and others like Crimson Desert and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 patching out 'accidentally' left AI assets. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about AI replacing human creativity in the industry.
