The CEO of video game developer Tripwire Interactive is out after taking to Twitter two days ago to give full-throated support to the controversial Texas law banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
John Gibson has stepped down after his comments caused an uproar on Twitter and throughout the industry.
Tripwire announced Gibson’s departure on Labor Day, saying, “The comments given by John Gibson are of his own opinion, and do not reflect those of Tripwire Interactive as a company. 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.”
Tripwire is the company behind such titles as Killing Floor and Chivalry II.
Company cofounder Alan Wilson has taken over as interim CEO. Tripwire says he will work alongside its leadership team to address concerns of both employees and partners, beginning with a town hall meeting.
The new Texas law prohibiting most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy went into effect last Wednesday, with the U.S. Supreme Court refusing to block it. The law also allows vigilante citizens to police the rule—potentially receiving a $10,000 reward. It has been opposed by everyone from pro-choice advocates to Satanists.
Within hours of Gibson’s statement, the backlash began from corporate partners. One went so far as to say it could not “in good conscience continue to work with Tripwire under the current leadership structure.”
Gibson has been quiet on social media since his Sept. 4 post.
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