Video game developers across the board have reiterated their support for reproductive rights after the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Roe vs. Wade legislation. Developers and publishers alike have all shared their support across social media, including Xbox, Bethesda, Ubisoft, Humble Bundle, Insomniac Games, Bend Studio, Sucker Punch, Naughty Dog and more.
The US Supreme Court overturned the historic Roe vs. Wade ruling last week, ending the constitutional right to abortion. The ruling was made on the basis that it was originally an “abuse of judicial authority” and that the arguments made in the original 1973 decision were “exceptionally weak” and “egregiously wrong”.
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PlayStation studios Bend and London shared the same sentiment on Twitter simply stating “reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy are human rights”. Fellow PlayStation studio Naughty Dog had more to say, stating it “believes reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy are basic human rights and essential to the health and wellbeing of everyone”. Santa Monica Studio shared a similar message, adding it “will continue to uphold these values and support our team members in receiving access to the care they need”.
Xbox shared a longer statement on Twitter, confirming that they will offer support to employees where legally possible as well as discussing the benefits of their healthcare plans.
“At Xbox, we remain committed to our employees to ensure equal access to healthcare. We will continue to do everything we can under the law to support our employees and enrolled dependents in accessing critical healthcare. Our US health plans cover lawful medical services like abortion and gender-affirming care, and we recently extended our travel benefits to include travel expense support assistance for covered medical services.”
More Microsoft-owned developers shared their messages as well, with Bethesda stating that “we believe the ability to make choices about one’s body and lifestyle is a human right”, while Double Fine shared a more direct message stating “overturning Roe v Wade constitutes a direct assault on people’s safety and rights. Your body is your body. We encourage donations to local funds/organisations that will stand up for these rights”.
https://t.co/DXKcGmPJp0 pic.twitter.com/ti64jXB0m7
— Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) June 24, 2022
Ubisoft posted their support on Twitter, saying “We fully support our teams in the US. Today and every day, we believe that reproductive rights are humans rights, women’s rights are human rights, trans rights are human rights, and equal rights for all are essential to a world where everyone can be their authentic selves and thrive”.
More developers and publishers are continuing to speak out against the decision, offering support for those affected and discussing how they aim to directly support any affected employees.
