Immigration
Ongoing coverage on Immigration.
Latest coverage
Luigi Replaces Mario Due To Immigration Issue
French metal band Gojira has announced that drummer Mario Duplantier will be temporarily replaced by Luigi Paraventi for upcoming shows due to an immigration issue preventing travel to the US. The band humorously referenced the gaming characters Mario and Luigi in their announcement.
IOI Partners disowns MindsEye, Krafton collabs with arms dealer, and more cuts at Ubisoft - Patch Notes #44
Several major gaming companies faced significant news this past fortnight. IOI Partners disowned the game MindsEye, Krafton announced a $1 billion partnership with a defense firm while simultaneously losing a lawsuit, and Ubisoft underwent restructuring leading to layoffs and the closure of Red Storm Entertainment's game development. Additionally, unionized game workers are petitioning for immigrant protections, Pokemon Pokopia achieved strong sales, and Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology faced backlash from developers.
Unionized game workers launch petition to protect immigrants from ICE agents
Unionized game workers, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and UVW-CWA, have launched a petition demanding employers implement 'Fourth Amendment workplaces.' This initiative calls for companies to refuse cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents unless presented with a judicial warrant. The campaign aims to protect immigrant workers within the industry from potential deportation and arbitrary arrests.
Fighting Game Pro Detained By ICE Has Been Released On Bond
Fighting game community member Ludovic Mbock has been released on bond after being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mbock, a professional player for The Hiero Group in games like Street Fighter and Tekken, was arrested in February and his legal defense fund has raised over $102,000. A forthcoming hearing in May will determine his future.
Trump administration's "cruel and unnecessary" acts called out by Titanium Court developer during IGF award speech
Developer Thomson of the game Titanium Court used their acceptance speech at the Independent Game Festival (IGF) to criticize the Trump administration's policies. Thomson highlighted issues such as restrictions on international travel, the revocation of driver's licenses for transgender individuals, and the US government's involvement in conflicts in Iran, Venezuela, and Gaza.
