Two acclaimed independent games, Celeste and TowerFall, have been removed from the Xbox store after developer Maddy Thorson confirmed that MaddyMakesGames was taking the step in support of the BDS movement.
The decision adds to a growing campaign among game developers and industry professionals calling for a boycott of Xbox games and services. The campaign centres on Microsoft’s technical contributions to Israel and the company’s connection to the war and humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinians.
Why the games were removed
No Games For Genocide is a collective urging game-makers and other industry workers to support the wider BDS, or boycott, divestment and sanctions, movement. The movement has published guidance targeting companies including Disney, HP, Reebok, and more.
MaddyMakesGames is the second prominent independent developer mentioned in this wave of Xbox-related protest. House House previously announced that Big Walk would not be released on Xbox in support of BDS.
Other games have taken related positions without directly targeting Xbox. Penguin Colony, for example, was withdrawn from sale in Israel and included a strongly worded criticism of the wider games industry’s silence over the killing and displacement of Palestinians.
From Ouya release to award-winning platformer
MaddyMakesGames first released TowerFall in 2014. Described as a competitive archery game with a structure reminiscent of Super Smash Bros., it initially launched on the Ouya microconsole.
Four years later, the studio released Celeste. Its precise and demanding platforming, memorable soundtrack and emotionally layered story helped establish it as one of the decade’s standout independent games.
Celeste won Best Independent Game at The Game Awards in 2018. The awards organisation has since faced criticism over its host’s reluctance to acknowledge the Palestinian genocide, adding another point of tension around the industry’s public response to the conflict.
What this means for Xbox players
The removals highlight how digital storefronts can become part of a developer’s political and ethical decisions. Players who already own either game may need to check their account and download access, while prospective buyers will need to follow future announcements from the developer about other platforms.
For readers interested in how independent games can translate to dedicated play spaces, RETROCADE’s arcade news and features cover the broader arcade and gaming scene. Those considering a home setup can also compare options in the arcade machine buying guide or browse available arcade cabinets.
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