House House Withholds Big Walk from Xbox in Support of BDS Campaign

Key points

• House House explicitly cited the BDS movement’s designation of Microsoft as a priority target as the reason for excluding Big Walk from Xbox.
• The game launched in August 2026 on PC, PS5, and Switch 2, selling over one million copies in its first week according to archive data.
• House House acknowledged that the decision contradicts their intention for the game to be played by groups of friends, causing disappointment among Xbox users.
• The developer stated they would release the game on Xbox only if Microsoft and Xbox are removed from the BDS boycott targets.
• Other developers, including Ice Water Games and Dan Dilorio, have also withheld or removed games from Xbox in support of the BDS campaign.

Background

The BDS movement began targeting Microsoft in April 2025, citing the company’s contracts with the Israeli Ministry of Defence and government. In May 2025, Microsoft conducted an internal review, acknowledging it provides software and cloud services to Israel but claiming no evidence these technologies were used to harm people in Gaza. Over 2,000 Microsoft employees signed the 'No Azure for Apartheid' petition demanding an independent audit. This decision by House House follows similar actions by other indie studios, such as Ice Water Games, which removed Tenderfoot Tactics from Xbox in 2025. The broader context includes ongoing international debates about corporate complicity in the Israel-Palestine conflict, with recent controversies involving Adidas and UN petitions against Israel.

How outlets are covering it

All sources agree that House House’s decision is driven by the BDS movement’s call to boycott Microsoft. Aftermath and The Verge highlight the developer’s regret that the exclusion prevents friends from playing together, emphasizing the conflict between political principles and player accessibility. GamesIndustry.biz provides additional context on other developers, such as Dan Dilorio, who donated $10,000 to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund to offset Microsoft revenue, and Speculative Agency, which considered joining the 'No Games for Genocide' campaign despite financial risks. Windows Central focuses on the practical impact of the game’s absence on Xbox, noting its availability on other platforms. The Verge also notes that Big Walk remains playable on Windows via Steam, distinguishing between Microsoft’s operating system and its gaming division.

Why it matters

This decision underscores the growing influence of the BDS movement in the gaming industry, where indie developers are increasingly using platform exclusivity as a tool for political protest. It highlights the tension between corporate partnerships and ethical stances, potentially affecting Microsoft’s relationships with smaller studios. The move may also influence consumer behavior, as players may choose to support developers aligned with their political views. Additionally, it reflects a broader trend of corporate accountability, with employees and external activists pressuring companies to review their international contracts and partnerships.

What to watch

House House has stated that it will release Big Walk on Xbox only if Microsoft is removed from the BDS boycott targets. The outcome of this decision will depend on Microsoft’s response to the BDS movement and the internal audit demanded by employees. Other developers may follow House House’s lead, potentially leading to a broader boycott of Microsoft’s gaming platforms. The BDS movement may continue to target other corporations, including those in the tech and retail sectors, as seen in the recent Adidas controversy. Microsoft may face increased pressure to address its contracts with the Israeli government, potentially leading to changes in its business practices or public relations strategies.