Video game developers took their stand against the immigration ban that shook whole America. In response to the executive order, gaming companies donated funds to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to legally challenge the ban on court.
The policy, implemented by President Donald Trump, is thought to be unconstitutional, contradicting the rights and privileges United States have extended towards people from different backgrounds over the past decades. The executive order declares the ban of all Syrian refugees from entering the country and preventing immigrant workers/citizens from seven major Islamic states plus other group of individuals from entering the country for a period of time.
Different industries who employs talents from those countries, particularly those in the field of engineering, bioscience, and computer science, are gravely affected with the sudden implementation of the order last Friday. Reports claim that a number of immigrant workers are trapped in the borders of the US as they are prevented from entering the country, affecting the intellectual workforce.
1979 Revolution video game developer iNK Stories announced that they will donate proceeds of their sales from Feb. 1-10 to the ACLU. Creator Navid Khonsari believes that the decision to give assistance is an "obligation." Another developer, Vlambeer's Rami Ismael of "Ridiculous Fishing, Super Crate Box," will donate a 24 hours-worth of revenue to the ACLU as well, Mashable reported.
Ted Price, Insomniac Games CEO, also stood up against the declaration. With him joins the Entertainment Software Association telling that the White House must "exercise caution with regard to vital immigration and foreign worker programs, Engadget reported.
Game developers see this immigration ban as a big compromise to the gaming industry as well. Video gamers come from different parts of the world - including the countries under ban and several Islamic states in Asia.
According to CNN, ACLU was able to collect $24.1 million over the weekend - donated by a number of corporations, celebrities, politicians, and common individuals seeking the lift of the ban.
