Saber Interactive has confirmed that its upcoming game, Rideshare "Stimulator," incorporates generative AI, though the studio denies claims that it replaced the game's former lead writer with ChatGPT. The developer admitted to using AI for an "experimental, free-ride mode" that features an infinite number of passengers, each with unique dialogue.
This admission comes after former lead writer Stella Sacco stated on the social platform Bluesky that she was replaced by ChatGPT midway through the game's development and that all passenger voices were also AI-generated. Saber, in a statement to Gamefile, refuted Sacco's account.
"Neither Saber nor Unigine have replaced any writers with AI for Rideshare or any other game," the studio stated. "In fact, Saber's staff of writers has tripled since 2023. Rideshare's story was written entirely by real people."
Saber explained that for the free-ride mode, generative AI, specifically large language models and voice generation, is necessary to provide a limitless variety of dialogue for an infinite number of passengers. The studio believes this enhances the gameplay experience, making it more unpredictable and fun, and that the alternative would be repetitive dialogue or removing the mode entirely. Saber indicated that more details on the AI implementation will be shared closer to the game's release.
However, the use of generative AI in this mode has not been disclosed on the game's Steam store page, which contravenes Valve's AI policy. Valve requires developers to declare the use of generative AI when submitting games for store placement and to provide details on the safeguards in place to prevent the generation of illegal content.
Rideshare "Stimulator" has also drawn attention for remarks made about Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford. Saber CEO Matt Karch commented that the game's digs at Pitchford were a response to Pitchford's comments about Embracer in Borderlands 4. Karch suggested that without Embracer's support, Pitchford would be less successful.
The lack of AI disclosure on the Steam page is a growing concern within the industry. Recent instances, such as a similar issue with the game Carcass, highlight a trend where developers, from small indies to larger publishers, are not adhering to disclosure policies. This oversight raises questions about transparency and the implementation of AI in game development.