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UPDATE Ratchet & Clank and Sunset Overdrive developer Insomniac Games has taken a public stand against U.S. President Donald Trump's temporary immigration ban.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

January 31, 2017

3 Min Read

Ratchet & Clank and Sunset Overdrive developer Insomniac Games has taken a public stand against U.S. President Donald Trump's temporary immigration ban. 

Speaking out against the President's divisive executive order, which temporarily restricts non-U.S. citizens with links to seven majority-Muslim nations from entering the United States and blocks refugees for varying lengths ot time, Insomniac founder and CEO Ted Price branded the move "deplorable."

"We at Insomniac Games stand united in strongly opposing President Trump's immigration ban. There's no question that these orders will harm us as a company, and many of our team members," said the CEO, who was joined by the studio's diverse team. 

"We ask, is this the American way? Is discriminating based on religion, faith, or national origin American? Absolutely not.

"This is a deplorable, discriminatory act that many of us across the nation believe is patently unconstitutional. We have been, we are, and we will always be a nation of immigrants."

Price has asked those who agree with Insomniac to make their voice heard by getting in touch with their local congress person, or by supporting one of many organizations across the States currently forming opposition campaigns.

UPDATE: Electronic Arts has also commented on the selective immigration ban by way of an internal email shared with Mashable. In the email, EA CEO Andrew Wilson spoke against the temporary ban, stating that diversity and inclusion are central to the company. The full text of the email can be found below.

"Many of you have likely been following the recent news on the U.S. Presidential executive order on immigration, and the global reaction that has followed. Our management team has also been closely monitoring this situation as it continues to unfold in real time. As a foreign national who has spent my career working all around the world, and am now proud to be living here in America with my family, I wanted to share some perspective.

We reject actions that diminish our principles of diversity and inclusion that are central to our company. Immigration has shaped the organization we are today, and, for many of us, it is a central part of our own lives or those of our families and friends. The value of teamwork underlies everything we do here — it shapes who we are and how we operate. So now, more than ever, as One Team we are here to support our people. Specifically:

  • We are privileged to have a large number of foreign national employees here at EA. We are working to provide any and all assistance to those few who could potentially be impacted by the immigration changes in the U.S.

  • We are here for all of you. If anyone is concerned about the Executive Order affecting you our your family, please reach out to your HR partner and/or manager immediately. 

  • Through our Legal partners and industry association, we will continue to be very engaged on further potential policy changes, immigration or otherwise, that could impact our global team.

Our open, inclusive, and multicultural company reflects our ideals in every way. The same can be said for our amazing games that connect our players all around the world. The circumstances we face today will not diminish the strength of our values or our team."

 

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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