Critically acclaimed video game Big Walk not released on Xbox to support BDS movement

What Happened

Australian game studio House House released its co-op puzzle adventure game Big Walk on PC, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 in August, but omitted Xbox Series X and S. In a statement, the developers said the omission was to align with the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement guidelines because 'Microsoft and/or Xbox' are BDS boycott targets. BDS listed Microsoft around June 2025 over what it describes as Microsoft's ties to the Israeli military and government, citing use of Microsoft technology in the surveillance of Palestinians. House House said it would not release on Xbox until Microsoft and/or Xbox are removed as BDS targets, adding that 'one day, Palestine will be free.' The BDS movement publicly supported the move and called on games journalists and workers to sign the 'No Games for Genocide' pledge and boycott Microsoft's Xbox. Reactions online were mixed: some praised the boycott, while others called it performative, noting that House House's earlier game Untitled Goose Game remains available on Xbox and that Big Walk can be purchased through Steam, though the studio argued Steam purchases do not generate revenue for Microsoft in the way Xbox purchases would.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The move extends the BDS campaign into the consumer gaming and technology sector, linking a major platform holder to Israeli military and government ties. It tests whether cultural boycotts can pressure corporations perceived as complicit in the Israel-Palestine conflict, while also igniting debate within gaming communities over the consistency and effectiveness of such actions, including questions about Sony and Steam.

Watch For

Monitor whether other game developers follow House House's example or sign the No Games for Genocide pledge; whether Microsoft/Xbox issues a response or is removed from the BDS list; whether House House changes its stance or releases Big Walk on Xbox; and whether BDS expands its gaming sector boycott targets beyond Microsoft.