Streamers And Fans Boycott Tripwire After 'Disgusting' Tweet
The president of Tripwire Interactive, John Gibson, took to Twitter on September 4 to voice his support for the recent and highly-controversial Texas abortion ban. The tweet was met with outrage by fans and public figures of the gaming community, with many announcing that they would, subsequently, be boycotting the company.
What Did The Tripwire Tweet Say?
In the tweet, Gibson announced that he was: "Proud of #USSuperemeCourt affirming the Texas law banning abortion for babies with a heartbeat. As an entertainer I don’t get political often. Yet with so many vocal peers on the other side of this issue, I felt it was important to go on the record as a pro-life game developer."
The majority of fans, consequently, slammed the tweet: "As a woman game developer, it's hard to navigate this industry knowing so many don't understand. Thanks to you being honest, now we can all tell our associates, mass block you, and never work with you in the future." Another said: "I just deleted maneater off my steam library and am never gonna touch a game of yours on my livestream ever again. it should always be the pregnant persons CHOICE of what to do."
On September 6, Shipwright Studios released a statement saying it would be cutting ties with Tripwire "effective immediately". The game developer has worked with Tripwire for over three years on some of their biggest successes, such as Maneater and Chivalry 2.
How Have The Gaming Community Responded?
Public figures in the gaming industry have openly criticised Gibson's comment. God of War director, Cory Barlog, said: "How can anyone be proud of claiming dominion over a woman’s personal freedoms?" Whereas, Cliff Bleszinski, the developer behind the Unreal and Gears of War series, responded with: "Yeah man, you can unfollow me now, thanks."
Twitch Streamer Ben "CohhCarnage" Cassell, also, panned the tweet claiming that he would no longer be supporting Tripwire or be playing their games.
Torn Banner Studios (TBS), who worked with Tripwire in developing Chivalry 2, further added to the list of developers to distance themselves from the company. TBS stated: "We do not share the opinion expressed in a recent tweet by the president of Tripwire... This perspective is not shared by our team, nor is it reflected in the games we create". However, they did not confirm whether they would be cancelling any future contracts with Tripwire.
Click to enlargeThe New York Times
Click to enlargeWhat Is The Texas Abortion Law?
The Texas Heartbeat Act came into effect September 1, 2021. The new law bans abortion clinics from being able to perform the procedure once a foetus's heartbeat can be found, which is usually after a period of six weeks. Although, most women do not know they are pregnant until an extended amount of time after this. Procedures may be permitted for medical emergencies, but not in the case of other reasons, including rape or incest. Those who have provided the support for the woman in any way could be fined at least $10,000.
There have been no statements released on Tripwire's official Twitter page since Gibson's statement. Yet, 20 minutes after the tweet, the page shared a video advertising discounted PSVR experiences. The response from fans has been mainly negative, many calling on Gibson to be fired: "You guys need to rethink your leadership... if your president is this kind of person I cannot in any good consciousness recommend any of these games in the future."
