Tabletop and collectible miniatures manufacturer WizKids has ended its association with board game designer Robert Burke. The decision means WizKids will no longer sell or market games created by Burke.
This news comes via a tweet posted on the official WizKids Twitter account. The tweet decries what the company refers to as "insensitive statements" made by Burke and clarifies that the company will "no longer sell or market" any of his games. WizKids' tweet is a response to prominent tabletop writer Matt Thrower, who highlighted comments made by Burke, among which are "you don't have to believe all women" and "trust the police, they can help if you are in trouble".
In light of insensitive statements made by game designer Robert Burke, WizKids has decided to end its relationship with Robert Burke Games. As a result, WizKids will no longer sell or market any of Robert Burke's games.
— WizKids (@wizkidsgames) June 15, 2020
What are Robert Burke's thoughts on the WizKids situation?
After the manufacturer made its decision, Burke retweeted a post in which a Twitter user says WizKids broke their relationship with Burke "because he isn't a liberal" and that it would be "a real shame" if people were to boycott WizKids games. According to Burke's Facebook page, the manufacturer hasn't reached out to him in order to explain its decision. Despite this, Burke says he doesn't "wish ill" on the company and that consumers should still support games that "grab [their] interest".
This isn't the first incident concerning the tabletop gaming world and the recent Black Lives Matter protests over the death of unarmed black man George Floyd. Last week, board gaming convention Origins Online was canceled as many speakers and exhibitors pulled out of the event. Said exhibitors cited inadequate response to Black Lives Matter on the part of Origins as the reason for their withdrawal.
Titles affected by the end of this relationship include Kings' Struggle, Doppelgänger, and O.P. Arena. Some of Burke's games appear to now be subject to review bombing on popular board gaming site BoardGameGeek. We've reached out to both Robert Burke and WizKids for comment on this story. At the time of publication, Burke declined to comment as he was reviewing his legal options. As ever, we'll bring you more on this story as it develops.
You can read TechRaptor's official stance on the recent protests, what we're doing to help, and how you can get involved here.
