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.
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.”
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.
Critics took to Twitter to share their displeasure with Gibson’s comments: