Beleaguered Tripwire Games boss steps down following colossal backlash over anti-abortion tweet
Times Square anti-abortion protests against Texan law. (Getty Images)
Just one day after tweeting his support for the harsh new abortion laws in Texas, the CEO of Tripwire Interactive has stepped down from his position.
The news was shared in a statement on Twitter by Tripwire, explaining Alan Wilson has now taken over from John Gibson as Interim CEO.
“The comments given by John Gibson are of his own opinion, and do not reflect those of Tripwire Interactive as a company,” reads the statement.
“His comments disregarded the values of our whole team, our partners and much of our broader community. Our leadership team at Tripwire are deeply sorry and are unified in our commitment to take swift action and to foster a more positive environment.”
A statement regarding recent events.
Tripwire Official Site: https://t.co/Vgyx0jMLBb pic.twitter.com/rmKp105EIg
— Tripwire Interactive (@TripwireInt) September 7, 2021
Wilson, who is a co-founder of Tripwire and previously Vice President, is taking over from Gibson with immediate effect.
“Alan will work with the rest of the Tripwire leadership team to take steps with employees and partners to address their concerns including executing a company-wide town hall meeting and promoting open dialogue with Tripwire leadership and all employees.
“His understanding of both the company’s culture and the creative vision of our games will carry the team through this transition, with full support from the other Tripwire leaders.”
Gibson tweeted on 4 September he was “proud” of the US Supreme Court for affirming the new abortion laws in Texas.
“As an entertainer I don’t get political often,” he wrote. “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.”
Proud of #USSupremeCourt 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.— John Gibson (@RammJaeger) September 4, 2021
He was promptly met with criticism from across the games industry.
The new law prohibits an abortion once a “fetal heartbeat” has been found, usually within six weeks. Critics of the law have pointed out, though, that many people don’t realise that they’re pregnant within that time frame.
Controversially, the law also empowers private citizens to sue abortion providers who fail to uphold the new law.
Tripwire Interactive are responsible for games such as Maneater, Chivalry 2 and Killing Floor.
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