Saber Interactive CEO disputes writer's AI replacement claim

A controversy over the use of generative AI in the upcoming video game Rideshare Stimulator has escalated into a public dispute between the game's publisher, Saber Interactive, and a former lead writer. The conflict centers on allegations that a human writer was replaced by AI tools and whether the company has been transparent about this usage with potential players.

The dispute began when writer Stella Sacco, who identified herself as the game's former lead writer, posted on social media that she had been replaced by ChatGPT midway through development. Sacco stated that Saber Interactive made the decision to use AI for writing and that the game's Steam page did not disclose this. She claimed she had warned company leadership, including CEO Matt Karch, that players would react negatively to AI use.

Saber Interactive initially responded by denying that any writers were replaced. A company representative stated that the story was written "entirely by real people" and that Saber's writing staff had tripled since 2023. However, the company did confirm that generative AI is used in an experimental "free ride mode" because the number of in-game passengers is infinite. The company also...