Halo Studio helps workers flee anti-trans and anti-abortion laws

As much of the United States grows increasingly hostile to transgender people and abortion rights, a Texas games studio CEO pledges to help employees who want to leave the state if they do (h/t GamesIndustry.biz).

“Today, as a demonstration of our company values, I make this commitment to you,” wrote Max Hoberman, CEO of Certain Affinity a letter to his employees. “If the state or province in which you live restricts access to what the majority of medical professionals deem essential, making staying there untenable for you and your family, we will adopt the pre-approved, documented, appropriate services outside the hospital. Pocket costs of relocating to another, safer state or province where we operate.”

Hoberman founded Certain Affinity nearly 16 years ago after leaving Bungie as a gloriole Series multiplayer and online lead. Since then, the company has been supporting games like Halo infinity, demise (2016) and left 4 Dead and has grown to over 250 employees, many of whom are based out of Certain Affinity’s Austin headquarters. The studio also has an office in Toronto, Ontario, as well as staff working remotely.

Texas is without a doubt one of the worst places for transgender people in the United States. That sheer breadth His historical bigotry is hard to pin down in one breath, but some examples include Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s February 2022 legal opinion Gender-affirming care of trans youth should be considered child abuse under state law and the subsequent instructions of Governor Greg Abbott Calling on state authorities to investigate the parents of trans children.

Similarly, a Supreme Court document containing plans by its conservative justices was recently leaked repeal the landmark 1973 federal decision on reproductive rights Roe v. calf and returning such policymaking to individual states further angered Texans, who (correctly) believe abortions are a medical necessity. After years of slowly phasing out abortion rights, the state government passed a “trigger law” in 2021 that will do so ban the procedure after 30 days if and when Roe v. calf has tipped over.

In both cases, those who help people affected by these discriminatory policies to leave dangerous states eventually be held criminally liable

“Several states have already taken action that similarly penalizes family, friends, doctors and other supporters who come to their aid,” Hoberman wrote. “All of this is incredibly worrying on a personal level and also as a business owner and leader; The naked politicization of private health issues is tangibly damaging to our business, including our ability to recruit staff.”

While game companies Released statements in support of abortion rights That’s all well and good, that’s the kind of movement I like to see from employers in this industry. We need action, not thought and prayer, and I’m glad companies like Certain Affinity and Insomniac are doing that put their money where their mouth is. It is beyond appalling that we have come to the point where already besieged Americans cannot count on a supposedly liberal government to protect them, but at least private individuals are doing what they can to help.