This weekend, the president and co-founder of Tripwire Interactive, John Gibson, made some rather idiotic remarks on Twitter. Gibson took to the social media platform to voice his support for the recent abortion ban in Texas, a ban that effectively takes away basic rights from women throughout the state. He also voiced his support for the Supreme Court of the United States for giving the go-ahead for that draconian ban to take place.
His remarks were met with severe backlash from countless people on Twitter, including several remarks from several prominent members of the gaming industry. Tripwire even suffered business losses after previous working partners such as Shipwright Studios (Chivalry II and Maneater) stated that they would no longer work with Tripwire under their current leadership. Torn Banner Studios, the studio behind the Tripwire published Chivalry II, also denounced the remarks from John Gibson.
This evening, Tripwire Interactive released a statement saying that the remarks made by John Gibson "do not reflect those of Tripwire Interactive as a company." Effective immediately, Gibson has stepped down as CEO of Tripwire. The statement does stop just short of saying if Gibson will fully part ways from the company or not. Once I find out for sure, I'll be sure to update this story.
Tripwire Interactive co-founder and current vice president, Alan Wilson, will take over as the interim CEO. The full statement from Tripwire can be found below.
Tripwire Appoints new Interim CEO, Alan Wilson, as Company Moves Forward
September 6, 2021
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.
September 6, 2021
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.
