Big Walk developer House House has explained the lack of an Xbox version for the popular co-operative puzzle game, pointing to the ongoing BDS boycott as the core reason behind its decision.
In a post made to House House social media accounts, the team writes: “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. 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.
“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.
“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.”
The Palestinian-led BDS movement has been a staunch proponent of various boycotts aimed at companies who have supported Israel’s government during the genocide in Palistine. It has published a list of boycott targets, which includes Disney, Intel, and Xbox.
Xbox’s inclusion on the list is due to Microsoft’s partnership with Israel and its prison system according to BDS. The company has provided the country use of its Azure Cloud and AI systems, which have been used consistently over the past few years in the ongoing subjugation of Palestinians. BDS has urged people to cancel their Game Pass subscriptions, boycott major franchises including Call of Duty and Candy Crush, and cease purchases of Microsoft gaming products.
Big Walk, despite its lack of an Xbox version, has proven quite popular. A game of great merit, the game sold over one million copies in under a week following its release on the 4th August.