Saber Interactive CEO Matthew Karch has issued an unreserved apology to Stella Sacco, the writer at the center of the Rideshare Stimulator AI controversy. The apology comes after Karch publicly stated he would have been "happy to replace her with AI."
Sacco shared the news in a statement, revealing she had received a lengthy email from Karch expressing his regret over his public comments. While Sacco has chosen not to share the full content of the email, she confirmed its authenticity and stated that Karch apologized for the "awful way he spoke about me in the press" and for escalating the dispute.
Sacco, a transgender woman, noted that while she is accustomed to facing slurs online, having her professional reputation and skill, built over two decades in the games industry, publicly disparaged by someone in a position of institutional power was particularly disheartening. She pushed back against any suggestion that her willingness to address the issue indicates a desire for drama or difficulty working with others, asserting that such mistreatment is common in the games industry and she is simply more vocal in calling it out.
Despite accepting Karch's apology, Sacco reiterated that her stance on the use of AI in games remains unchanged. She stated that she and Karch "obviously differ on this" and acknowledged that the consequences of AI implementation fall upon the CEO and his employees.
Karch also reflected on the incident in a LinkedIn post, discussing the lessons learned regarding CEO conduct in the public eye. He emphasized the need for measured responses, understanding the boundaries of media relationships, and the unreliability of online outrage for industry analysis. Karch advocated for resolving disputes through direct, personal connections rather than public channels, stressing the importance of owning up to crossing a line with the individual involved.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to technological innovation, including AI, stating that industry shifts are inevitable and the focus should be on leveraging new tools to enhance game experiences while thoughtfully adapting the workforce. Karch concluded by acknowledging the distinct standards applied to leadership roles, suggesting that strategic restraint is often the best path forward when candid public conversation is not feasible without heavy PR filtration. He stated that for him, fighting his urges to engage directly is difficult, highlighting his long-held view of his company as a close-knit group, and the need for CEOs to adapt to their role or transition to a Chairman position.