Saber CEO Apologises to Writer After AI Replacement Remark

Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch has issued an apology to writer Stella Sacco, who was at the centre of a controversy involving AI in game development. Karch had previously stated he would have been 'happy to replace her with AI,' a remark that sparked significant backlash. Sacco confirmed receiving a personal apology from Karch, describing it as 'unreserved' and noting that he regretted escalating the dispute and the subsequent online harassment she faced. ## Writer Accepts Apology but Stands Firm on AI Sacco, who shared the news on her Bluesky account, clarified that while she accepted Karch's apology, it did not change her views on AI in the gaming industry. She emphasised that her 20-year career in games had been publicly maligned by someone with institutional power, a situation she found particularly distressing. Sacco also dismissed the notion that speaking out about the issue made her 'hard to work with,' pointing out that mistreatment is widespread in the industry and that she was simply more vocal about it than others. She reiterated her long-standing position against the use of AI in game development, stating that while she and Karch disagreed on the matter, the consequences of AI adoption ultimately fell on him and his employees. Despite the apology, Sacco made it clear that she would not be making further public statements about the incident, calling apologies 'too rare to refuse.' ## CEO Reflects on Leadership and Public Scrutiny Karch also addressed the situation in a LinkedIn post, reflecting on the challenges of being a CEO in the modern gaming industry. He acknowledged that public reactions are often asymmetrical and that leaders must exercise restraint, even when they feel wronged. Karch noted that media relationships have boundaries and that journalists prioritise engagement over personal rapport. He also criticised the tendency of online commentary to thrive on outrage, citing a 26-minute video essay that devolved into personal insults as an example. The CEO emphasised the importance of resolving disputes through direct, personal communication rather than public statements. He also stood firm on his belief in the role of AI and other emerging technologies in the industry, arguing that leaders must focus on innovation and long-term vision despite the noise. Karch concluded by acknowledging the different standards applied to leaders and the need to adapt to the demands of the role, whether by learning from friction or transitioning to a different position.