Saber Interactive updates Rideshare Stimulator with AI disclaimer amid controversy

Saber Interactive has added an AI disclaimer to Rideshare Stimulator's Steam page, clarifying the use of AI in the game's development. The move follows CEO Matthew Karch's controversial remarks about replacing human writers with AI, sparking debate about AI's role in game development.

Saber Interactive has updated Rideshare Stimulator's Steam page to include an AI disclaimer, addressing concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in the game's development. The disclosure comes after CEO Matthew Karch faced backlash for suggesting he would have been "happy to replace" former writer Stella Sacco with AI, reigniting discussions about AI's place in game creation.

AI Disclosure Details

The newly added disclaimer specifies that the main campaign's story, characters, and dialogue are entirely human-written. AI tools were only used for voice generation and some localization. Additionally, the game's optional Free Ride mode features AI-generated passenger missions and localized dialogue, though players can skip this section if they prefer human-written content.

The disclosure also notes that the game's radio stations mix human-made and AI-generated music, with AI-generated stations clearly labeled in-game.

CEO Defends AI Use Amid Controversy

Karch defended Saber's use of AI, stating that his PR team is often hesitant to discuss the topic but that he believes AI can and should enhance gaming experiences. He dismissed the controversy as a "publicity stunt," pointing out that Saber's writing staff has grown since Sacco left the company three years ago. He also acknowledged that if the game needed publicity, Sacco's response had helped.

Karch later apologized to Sacco, who accepted his apology. "Apologies are simply in too short a supply these days to spurn one when it's offered," she wrote, adding that she hoped this would be her last statement on the matter. The disclosure provides transparency about AI's role in Rideshare Stimulator, while the ongoing debate highlights the broader industry discussion about balancing human creativity with AI tools.

Source: Eurogamer