House House Confirms Big Walk Will Not Launch on Xbox Until Microsoft Is Removed from BDS Target List

Key points

• House House released a statement on October 15, 2026, explaining that Big Walk is not on Xbox due to the BDS movement's call to boycott Microsoft.
• The game launched in August 2026 on PC, PS5, and Switch 2, selling over one million copies in its first week.
• The BDS movement cites Microsoft’s contracts with the Israeli military and government, specifically regarding Azure cloud and AI services, as reasons for the boycott.
• House House acknowledged that keeping the game off Xbox contradicts its design as a social, co-op experience but maintained its stance until Microsoft is removed as a target.
• The game remains available on Windows via Steam, though the studio has not yet clarified why it did not exclude the PC version from the boycott.

Background

Big Walk is a highly rated cooperative puzzle-adventure from the creators of Untitled Goose Game. It relies on proximity chat and open-ended exploration, making cross-platform play a central feature. The game achieved significant commercial success, selling over one million copies within a week of its August 2026 launch. The decision to withhold the Xbox version follows a broader trend in the gaming industry where some developers and employees have protested Microsoft’s ties to Israel, with some studios pulling releases from Xbox in 2025.

How outlets are covering it

Kotaku, Game Informer, and The Verge all report the core facts of House House’s statement, but they emphasize different aspects. Kotaku highlights the emotional tone of the studio’s apology to fans, noting the developers’ disappointment at excluding Xbox players. Game Informer provides a detailed breakdown of the BDS movement’s specific accusations against Microsoft, including claims about Azure cloud services used by the Israeli military. The Verge focuses on the practical implications for players and notes that the game is still available on Windows via Steam, questioning why the PC version was not also excluded. Aftermath provides context on other developers who have taken similar actions, such as Ice Water Games, and notes the ongoing internal protests at Microsoft.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the growing intersection of geopolitical activism and the video game industry. By withholding a commercially successful title from a major platform, House House demonstrates that some studios are willing to prioritize political principles over market reach. The move also underscores the impact of the BDS movement on tech companies, as Microsoft faces increasing pressure from both external activists and internal employees. For players, it raises questions about the future of cross-platform play and the potential fragmentation of gaming communities due to political stances.

What to watch

The immediate next step is to monitor whether Microsoft is removed from the BDS target list, which would trigger the Xbox release of Big Walk. Additionally, the industry will watch for further responses from other developers and publishers to the ongoing boycott. The Verge has stated it will update its reporting if House House provides a reason for keeping the game on Windows while excluding it from Xbox. The broader impact on Microsoft’s gaming division and its relationships with indie developers will also be a key area of observation.