Twitter Critics Zap Video Game Developer Who Hailed Texas Anti-Abortion Law
The president of a video game company stepped down from his position on Monday after Twitter critics came after him for praising the new anti-abortion law in Texas.
John Gibson, president of Tripwire Interactive, praised the extreme law in a tweet Saturday, saying it was “saving babies with a heartbeat.” He also wrote Sunday that he wanted to “go on the record as a pro-life game developer.”
The law prohibits abortions after six weeks, which is before most people even know they’re pregnant. There are no exceptions for cases of rape or incest. It also sets up a bounty system for vigilantes to collect $10,000 if they successfully sue anyone who “aids and abets” an abortion.
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
Several responses to Gibson’s tweet called for a boycott of Tripwire, which is known for making the video games “KillingFloor 2” and “Maneater.”
Shipwright Studios, a gaming developer that has worked with Tripwire, said it would no longer do business with the company. Independent game developer Torn Banner Studios also distanced itself from Gibson, MarketWatch reported.
Tripwire co-founder and vice president Alan Wilson will take over as the interim CEO, according to the company.
“The comments given by John Gibson are of his own opinion, and do not reflect those of Tripwire Interactive as a company,” the company said in a 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.”
— Shipwright Studios (@shipwrightstdio) September 5, 2021
We do not share the opinion expressed in a recent tweet by the president of Tripwire, publisher of Chivalry 2. This perspective is not shared by our team, nor is it reflected in the games we create. The statement stands in opposition to what we believe about women’s rights.
— Torn Banner Studios (@TornBanner) September 6, 2021
Many companies are lining up against the new law, including Bumble and Match, dating apps that are based in Texas and run by women. Match CEO Shar Dubey is establishing a fund to provide aid to Texas employees who need to seek care outside the state. Bumble is creating a “relief fund” that will go to six organizations supporting reproductive rights and is encouraging women needing help to reach out to those groups.
Lyft and Uber have also vowed to cover all legal expenses for their drivers if they’re sued for transporting a woman to an abortion appointment.
Right on @logangreen - drivers shouldn’t be put at risk for getting people where they want to go. Team @Uber is in too and will cover legal fees in the same way. Thanks for the push. https://t.co/85LhOUctSc
— dara khosrowshahi (@dkhos) September 3, 2021
Critics took to Twitter to share their displeasure with Gibson’s comments:
The TX law does not save lives nor stop abortions; it just makes them less safe and more likely to lead to the mother’s DEATH. This draconian law is unconstitutional and deputizes citizens to become bounty hunters for interfering in people’s medical procedures. It isn’t pro-life.
— Andrew Wortman 🏳️🌈 (@AmoneyResists) September 6, 2021
Thanks for letting me know, so I could tell my son to ignore your product. My body, my choice. pic.twitter.com/r9yJaxgvVf
— Irene Rettenmaier🐞 (@Ladybug_Effect) September 6, 2021
— Wombat (@NewWombat) September 5, 2021
You'll get political about the unborn, but not the people who already live here. Good to know!
— Hbomberguy (@Hbomberguy) September 5, 2021
Proud of the gaming community condemning you for supporting a law that controls women's reproductive rights. As a reviewer I don't get political often. Yet with so many vocal peers on the correct side of this issue, I felt it was important to go on the record as pro-choice. pic.twitter.com/A0RxSU3OC1
— RemiVIDS (@remivids) September 5, 2021
It doesn’t have a heart, yet. pic.twitter.com/joXEjK4bdV
— Peggy Smith (@pegthepegster) September 6, 2021
These are just a few games this "developer" creates. Want to play abortion politics? That's fine, watch your income go down the drain. pic.twitter.com/o87Wjwcqx4
— Peter Cottontail (@4Most_gg) September 5, 2021
In 2018 my wife had an abortion. Our daughter Sophie had no skull and her heart developed outside her chest.We didn't find out till she was 25 weeks in.Had to travel to another state cause its illegal here. Dr said if dont do wife would die with our daughter. Made the hard choice
— TheRealGutty (@TheRealGutty1) September 5, 2021
Cool, uninstalling your games, byeeee!
— Dragon Cobolt (@DragonCobolt) September 5, 2021
If you're looking for a game developer/company to ignore, might I suggest Tripwire Interactive, makers of the somewhat popular Killing Floor series (what a Pro-Life name for a game!)? If you are wondering you can set Steam to ignore games from certain developers. I just did! https://t.co/M7eAbVUPbk
— Kathy (@tittergrrl) September 5, 2021
Thanks for bringing your views to our attention. Just donated $10,000 to Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas to help counteract.https://t.co/CueUo54q0h
— Charlie #blacklivesmatter Cleveland (@Flayra) September 6, 2021
Also on HuffPost
This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.