Pushing People Away
Developers that have helped with some of Tripwire Interactive’s recent games have distanced themselves from the company after John Gibson came out in support for the abortion ban in Texas. As previously reported, Shipwright Studios has cut off all future contracts.
For a reminder, Shipwright helped with Maneater and the hit Chivalry 2. They aren’t a massive studio, so them taking a stand means they really don’t want any of the fallout of being associated with John Gibson. That isn’t a great sign that even smaller studios are distancing themselves.
Shipwright Studios had this to say on the matter:
“While your politics are your own, the moment you make them a matter of public discourse you entangle all of those working for you and with you”
They then went on to confirm they would “begin the cancellation of [its] existing contracts [with Tripwire] effective immediately.”
Now, Tripwire Interactive has lost more support. Torn Banner Studios, the lead developer on Chivalry 2, recently put out a statement:
“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.”
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.
— Torn Banner Studios (@TornBanner) September 6, 2021
Torn Banner Studios hasn’t promised to cut off working with Tripwire Interactive, but it is clear they aren’t happy about being dragged into this. They are in a rough position with Chivalry 2 just recently being released. They can’t just cut off contact because they have to keep Chivalry 2 updated.