Tripwire Interactive President steps down over anti-abortion comments

Posted on September 7, 2021

Update:

Tripwire Interactive President John Gibson has stepped down from his position after major backlash surrounding his comments supporting new Texas anti-abortion legislation. Gibson has been replaced by Interim CEO, Alan Wilson, as Tripwire make an official statement on their website.

“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.”

“Effective immediately, John Gibson has stepped down as CEO of Tripwire Interactive. Co-founding member and current Vice President, Alan Wilson, will take over as interim CEO. Alan has been with the company since its formation in 2005 and is an active lead in both the studio’s business and developmental affairs. 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.”


Original Story:

Tripwire Interactive, the company behind recent releases such as Chivalry 2 and Maneater, is facing major backlash after the company’s President publically showed support for the new Texas anti-abortion laws. John Gibson, who has been the President and Co-Owner of Tripwire Interactive since January 2005, came out on Twitter with his controversial take, with many developers and industry leaders coming out to condemn Gibson and cut ties with his studio.

The anti-abortion law, passed by The US Supreme Court, prohibits abortion once a heartbeat can be detected, occurring as early as six weeks into the pregnancy. The law has been slammed by pro-choice activists as a major violation of the rights of women. The law does not make exceptions for rape cases and, as many people have pointed out, the six week period is ludicrously limiting with some pregnancies remaining unknown within this time.

The Tweet from Gibson is yet to be taken down, though the ramifications for sharing his opinion is certainly being felt. It didn’t take long for industry leaders such as God of War’s Cory Barlog and Gears of War’s Cliff Bleszinski to call out Gibson’s take as abhorrent. Other company’s that work with or for Tripwire are also beginning to cut ties, including US developer Shipwright Studios who worked alongside Tripwire on projects like the aforementioned Maneater and Chivalry 2.

Torn Banner Studios, developers of Chivarly 2, also took to Twitter to distance themselves from Gibson’s opinion, stating: “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.”