Big Walk, the cooperative puzzle adventure from House House, will not be released on Xbox while Microsoft remains a target of the BDS boycott. The game launched in August without an Xbox Series X/S version.
House House has explained that the decision relates to the boycott’s criticism of Microsoft’s alleged involvement in Israel’s use of technology connected with surveillance of Palestinians. The studio says it would like Xbox players to experience the game, but will not bring it to the platform while Microsoft or Xbox remains on the boycott target list.
The announcement is particularly notable because Big Walk is designed around groups of friends exploring an island together. Its cooperative puzzles, proximity chat and open-ended structure encourage players to wander, communicate and solve problems without extensive guidance. The platform decision therefore means some friend groups cannot play together as intended.
House House published its explanation through social media and the official Big Walk website. The page also directs readers to information about the boycott, including the protest’s own website, which outlines claims about Microsoft technology being used by the Israeli military and explains the campaign’s call to avoid Microsoft products, including Xbox.
House House says the choice conflicts with its goal of bringing groups of friends together, and acknowledges that some players will be disappointed. The studio also says it would welcome an Xbox release if Microsoft and/or Xbox are removed as BDS boycott targets.
The developer made the decision because it believes organised collective action can influence powerful institutions, and concluded by expressing hope for Palestinian freedom.
The campaign has pointed to several developments as progress. These include Microsoft disabling the Israeli government’s access to cloud storage and artificial-intelligence systems reportedly connected with surveillance of Palestinians, as well as a later report that the company was ending relationships with employees in Israel. The boycott itself remains active.
Support for the campaign also exists within parts of the games industry through No Games for Genocide. For more coverage of the wider games business, browse RETROCADE’s Arcade Blog and arcade industry videos. Readers comparing platforms and dedicated hardware can also consult the Arcade Machine Buying Guide.
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