Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, has denied allegations that it replaced a writer with ChatGPT during the development of its upcoming driving game Rideshare Stimulator. The controversy began after former writer Stella Sacco claimed on social media that she had been removed from the project and replaced by AI.
In a statement to PC Gamer, Saber rejected the allegation and emphasized that Rideshare Stimulator’s story was written by human writers. The company also pointed to its broader hiring efforts, claiming that its writing staff has tripled since 2023.
The dispute comes as the game prepares to use generative AI in one specific part of its gameplay, making the distinction between AI-assisted systems and human-authored narrative a central part of the controversy.
Saber Says No Writers Were Replaced by AI
Saber Interactive directly addressed the allegation by stating that neither it nor Unigine had replaced writers with AI on Rideshare Stimulator or any other game. The publisher told PC Gamer that the game’s story was “written entirely by real people.”
The company also highlighted the growth of its writing department, saying its staff of writers has tripled since 2023. Saber added that none of its more than 3,000 employees should be concerned about being replaced by AI.
However, Sacco has disputed the company’s account. She previously claimed that she was the lead writer on Rideshare Stimulator and said she was removed from the project after Saber decided to use ChatGPT.
While denying that AI replaced the game’s writers, Saber confirmed that Rideshare Stimulator will incorporate AI into its experimental free-ride mode. According to the publisher, the system is necessary because the mode is designed around an “infinite” number of passengers.
Saber described itself as a firm believer in using AI tools to enhance gameplay and NPC behavior, noting that it has used such technology in some form since the company’s founding in 2001.
The controversy is therefore not about whether Rideshare Stimulator uses AI, but about how that technology was used during development. Saber maintains that its core narrative was created by human writers, while Sacco continues to challenge the company’s version of events.
With the game yet to launch, further details about its AI implementation and disclosure on Steam could provide more clarity.
