Samuel Case, FISM News
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John Gibson, CEO of the gaming studio Tripwire, stepped down from his position following a tweet supporting the Texas pro-life heartbeat law, which gives citizens the ability to sue those who perfrom an abortion after the baby has a heartbeat.
Last week Gibson tweeted praise for the Supreme Court’s refusal to take up a case attempting to block the law and said “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.” Gibson has also been a vocal supporter of the Cuban anti-communist protests.
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
Tripwire released a statement on Sunday announcing Gibson was stepping down from his position as CEO, as his comments “do not reflect those of Tripwire Interactive as a company.” The company said Gibson’s “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.” Gibson still remains at Tripwire and will “address the concerns” of employees and partners.
A statement regarding recent events.
Tripwire Official Site: https://t.co/Vgyx0jMLBb pic.twitter.com/rmKp105EIg
— Tripwire Interactive (@TripwireInt) September 7, 2021
The gaming community is split over the company’s decision. Some believe it’s the right move, arguing Gibson shouldn’t have stepped into politics. While others are saying it’s cancel culture, observing that CEOs who voice left-wing opinions see zero consequences for getting political.