House House, the developer behind the acclaimed cooperative puzzler Big Walk, has stated that the game will not be released on Xbox platforms due to the ongoing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Microsoft. The decision means that players on Xbox consoles will be unable to experience the game, which relies on players being in close proximity to communicate.
In a statement posted on social media and the official Big Walk website, the studio acknowledged the disappointment this decision may cause. "It has always been our intention for Big Walk to be played by groups of friends, and we know that keeping the game off Xbox runs counter to those intentions," the statement reads. "This decision means that some people will miss out on playing Big Walk with their friends, and we understand the disappointment we’re causing. We are disappointed too."
The developer clarified its position, stating, "We would love for people to be able to play the game on Xbox, but not until Microsoft and/or Xbox have been removed as BDS boycott targets." The statement also included resources for those unfamiliar with the BDS movement, linking to the protest's website which outlines accusations of Microsoft technology being used by the Israeli military for surveillance of Palestinian people.
The BDS movement has previously seen some success in its boycott against Microsoft. In the past year, the company reportedly disabled the Israeli government's use of its cloud storage and AI systems, which were allegedly used for surveying Palestinians. Additionally, reports from May indicated that Microsoft was severing ties with employees in Israel. The movement has garnered support from various segments of the gaming industry under the banner "No Games for Genocide."
House House concluded their statement with a message of solidarity: "We’ve made this decision with the belief that meaningful change can be made in the world, that coordinated collective action can confront even the most powerful interests, and that one day, Palestine will be free. Thank you for your understanding."