John Gibson, the CEO of Tripwire Interactive, the studio behind it Maneater i Killing Floor—He has “resigned” after a huge public and internal backlash over his support for Texas’ recent decision to deprive women of a basic human right.
Texas has recently introduced a new anti-abortion law, known as Senate Bill 8. The controversial law bans abortion after six weeks and goes so far as to allow private citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone suspicious. of helping a woman end her pregnancy. This essentially creates a reward system aimed at those seeking abortion and applied by random Texas residents.
On September 5, Gibson he tweeted:
Proud of #USSupremeCourt claiming Texas law prohibits abortion of babies with heartbeats. As an animator, I don’t become a politician often. Still, with so many vocal companions on the other side of this issue, I found it important to go on the record as a pro-life game developer.
The statement was widely criticized in the industry, and a few hours later, one of Tripwire’s leading development partners, Shipwright Studios, he said in a statement “We cannot continue to work with good conscience with Tripwire under the current leadership structure. We will immediately begin canceling our existing contracts. ”
Gibson’s comments were also clearly opposed from Tripwire as well, as this evening he has “abandoned” his role as CEO, with news announced by the company in a flashy statement saying that “John Gibson’s comments are of their own views, and do not reflect those of Tripwire Interactive as a company, ”and that their comments ignored the values of our entire team, our partners, and much of our wider community. Tripwire’s leadership deeply regrets and is unified in our commitment to take swift action and foster a more positive environment. “
G / O Media may receive a commission
The full Tripwire statement is shown below:
John Gibson’s comments are of his own opinion and do not reflect those of Tripwire Interactive as a company. His comments ignored the values of the entire team, our partners, and much of our wider community. Our Tripwire leadership team feels deeply and is united in our commitment to take swift action and foster a more positive environment.
With immediate effect, John Gibson has resigned as CEO of Tripwire Interactive. The co-founding member and current vice president, Alan Wilson, will assume the position of interim CEO. Alan has been with the company since its formation in 2005 and is an active leader in both business and studio development affairs. Alan will work with the rest of Tripwire’s leadership team to take action with employees and partners to address their concerns, including holding a company-wide municipal meeting and promoting open dialogue with Tripwire’s leadership and all employees. Your understanding of the company culture and creative vision of our games will lead the team to this transition, with the full support of other Tripwire leaders.