Tripwire Interactive, the developer and publisher of games like Killing Floor, Maneater and Chivalry 2, now has a new CEO following the controversial comments made by John Gibson.
Last week, the state of Texas passed a law banning abortions from six weeks into pregnancy owing to the detection of a foetal "heartbeat" at this stage. Furthermore, the legislation permits a person to sue anyone who "aids and abets" an illegal abortion even if they themselves are not involved with the person getting the abortion. The reaction to this law has been polarising with a lot of criticism coming from pro-choice organisations and groups. Gibson, who was the CEO of Tripwire Interactive, took to Twitter to share his pro-life opinions and the ramifications for the company have been severe.
Gears Of War creator Cliff Bleszinski and God Of War director Cory Barlog have rebuked Gibson's statements, as well as a proportion of fans of Tripwire Interactive's portfolio of games. And, two of the studios that have worked with the publisher have now decided to no longer collaborate with the company. "We do not share the opinion expressed in a recent tweet by the president of Tripwire, publisher of Chivalry 2," said Torn Banner Studios. "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."
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Today, Tripwire Interactive has addressed the controversy and Gibson has stepped down from being the CEO of the company. "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," read the statement supplied by the company and it expressed that it is "deeply sorry" for the impact Gibson's stance has had.
As a result, co-founder and vice president Alan Wilson is now acting as the company's CEO as Gibson has been terminated from his role at Tripwire Interactive. "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," explained the company.
"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," concluded the statement.
Featured Image Credit: Tripwire InteractiveTopics: News, No-Article-Matching
