Sucker Punch Addresses Firing of Employee Over Social Media Posts
BELLEVUE, WA – Sucker Punch Productions co-founder Brian Fleming has publicly addressed the recent termination of former employee Drew Harrison, following controversial social media posts referencing the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Harrison, a Senior Staff Character Artist at the studio, was fired after posting a message referencing the shooter of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, stating, “I hope the shooter’s name is Mario so that Luigi knows his bro got his back.”
Speaking to Game File in a new interview, Fleming stated the studio’s position unequivocally: “Drew’s no longer an employee here. I think we’re aligned as a studio that celebrating or making light of someone’s murder is a deal-breaker for us, and we condemn that, kind of in no uncertain terms. That’s sort of our studio, and that’s kind of where we are.”
The firing has sparked debate regarding the balance between personal expression and professional conduct. Journalist Stephen Totilo questioned Fleming on “how you can weigh [up] a person’s 10-year run at a studio against a social media post,” but a Sony representative present during the interview indicated no further comments would be made on the matter.
The incident occurred as Sucker Punch prepares for the release of Ghost of Yotei on PS5, scheduled for October 2nd, 2025. The studio has faced social media scrutiny surrounding Harrison’s comments and subsequent dismissal.
