As background, for those unaware, in 1973, the US Supreme Court ruled that a woman has the right to an abortion without excessive government interference. After the US Supreme Court’s intentions to overturn Roe V. Wade, Bungie was one of the first game studios to come out in support of women’s rights. Sony, however, refused to make a statement concerning the political controversy.
Eventually, the PlayStation developer made a donation of $50,000 to the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project, matching the contribution made by its child company, Insomniac. However, the company refuses to allow any of its studios to make a statement on abortion.
Refusing to be silenced
Sony’s stance left fans concerned that Bungie would lose its voice since Sony purchased it in January. However, according to Bungie community manager, dmg04, Sony will not silence the company.
“We are, and will continue to be, Bungie,” dmg04 tweeted. “There will never be a ‘muzzle’ big enough to stop us from standing up for what’s right.
“It’ll need to be proven over time, but we continue to strengthen our pillars and culture year over year. There’s so much more work to be done, but I feel we’re on the right track with the talent we have and the passion they bring (not just making games but improving industry.)”
While dmg04 has no say in company policy, Bungie CEO Peter Parsons retweeted dmg04’s thread and replied to it with “Yes.”, validating the community manager’s statements.
Who is Bungie?
Bungie is the game developer behind Destiny and Destiny 2. In February, Bungie hired Derick Tsai, previously of Riot Games, as Head of Development for Destiny Universe Transmedia.
Bungie has a track record of speaking out on political issues such as trans rights and Black Lives Matter. Likewise, the company spoke out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as has Sony, EA and Microsoft.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
