Video Game Companies React To Donald Trump’s Immigration Ban

President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting Muslims from entering the country has created a lot of controversy; from being chastised by individuals, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sally Yates, to large crowds of people, the forty-fifth president has received a lot of negative press.

Given the nature of his ban, it will adversely affect many international industries. Asghar Farhadi, an Iranian director, will be unable to attend this year’s Oscars ceremonial, for example. Similarly, Google ordered their overseas staff to return to the United States.

The video game industry will likewise be affected, and many prolific companies have responded to Trump’s ban with disdain.

Video Game Industry Reacts To Donald Trump’s Immigration Ban

The Entertainment Software Association issued a statement via their website:

“The Entertainment Software Association urges the White House to exercise caution with regard to vital immigration and foreign worker programs. As a leading force in technology and exporter of entertainment, the U.S. video game industry thrives on the contributions of innovators and storytellers from around the world. While recognizing that enhancing national security and protecting our country’s citizens are critical goals, our companies rely on the skilled talent of U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, and immigrants alike. Our nation’s actions and words should support their participation in the American economy.”

The Game Developers Conference, which will occur from February 27 to March 3, strongly condones Trump’s act:

GDC is a global community – we're horrified by the #MuslimBan. Of course we'll refund affected attendees, and keep fighting for inclusivity.

— 🔜 GDC 2024 (@Official_GDC) January 29, 2017

Microsoft is “actively working” with their affected personal by providing “legal advice and assistance.”

Insomniac Games, a third-party developer, answered with the following video:

View Insomniac Games’ video statement on current US immigration policy. https://t.co/YvmYtgYSj6

— Insomniac Games (@insomniacgames) January 31, 2017

Mashable probed other prolific corporations for their stance on the matter. So far, Bethesda Softworks, Zynga, EA, iNK Stories and Ubisoft have responded with disapproval. Additionally, Nintendo, Capcom and Square Enix responded to Mashable‘s inquiry by referring to the ESA’s statement.

Conversely, the Pokémon Company declined to comment. Sony and Activision Blizzard, however, haven’t replied to their inquiry yet.