Gaming and politics have often gone hand-in-hand with some of gaming’s biggest entities weighing in on major world matters. The onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine earlier this year saw many major developers offering theirsupport to Ukraine through monetary donationsor banning the sale of products in Russia. With several major AAA game studios headquartered within the US, major political events in the United States often see responses from developers. Now, a recent Supreme Court decision has sent shockwaves throughout the country.Friday morning saw a vote pass in the US Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision that protects the rights of women within the US to seek an abortion. The decision was met with significant backlash from the many supporters of the law with major names in gaming speaking out as well.Companies like Insomniac Gamesand Bungie have already made statements in support for those affected by the decision. Now, TheLast of Usdeveloper Naughty Dog andGod of Wardeveloper Santa Monica Studio have both spoken on the matter on social media.RELATED:Bungie Launches Initiative to Help Employees Get Healthcare Elsewhere After Roe v. Wade OverturnIn the most recent statements from major developers, both Naughty Dog and Santa Monica Studio have come out in support for those affected by the impactful decision. The two statements strike similar tones with Naughty Dog andSanta Monica Studioboth saying “reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy are basic human rights.” Both developers also made similar promises to aid employees with seeking necessary healthcare after the Supreme Court decision. The developers notably disabled replies on both tweets, likely to curb any heated political debates in their posts.
While many fans are often critical of gaming companies pushing political messages, developers have a long track record of making their own political stances known. Many of gaming’s biggest franchises likeMetal Gear SolidandFallouthave dealt with heavy political themesas core storytelling mechanisms. Santa Monica Studio and Naughty Dog’s statements will likely be just the first in a wave of similar posts to come as companies weigh in on the decision.
With the often heated nature of political debates, other gaming companies have often chosen to distance themselves from politics.Guidelines from Nintendo during 2020’s election seasonheavily discouraged businesses and organizations from usingAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsas a political tool. Xbox executives including Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer also previously claimed Xbox Live shouldn’t be treated as a “free speech platform” for political discussions. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is a massive moment in American politics that will likely see even more developers taking a stance on the debate.
MORE:Not For Broadcast Tackles Political Extremism in an Alternate 1980’s Setting
