Big Walk devs scrap Xbox release over Microsoft BDS boycott
When a game hits the market, success is measured in sales, and Big Walk proved to be a massive hit. Released on August 4, 2026, the light-hearted, co-operative adventure required players to team up to explore a unique world and solve puzzles. In just six days, the game sold over 1 million copies, cementing its place as one of the biggest indie releases of the year.
The game is currently available across major platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2. However, a significant question lingered among fans: why did the Xbox release remain elusive? The answer, when finally provided by the developers, delves into a much larger, more complex discussion than just platform compatibility.
House House, the studio behind Big Walk and Untitled Goose Game, has broken their silence regarding the Xbox decision. They cited a firm commitment to a specific stance, refusing to release the title on Xbox until certain geopolitical and activist demands were met. This decision has placed the studio squarely in the middle of a global conversation regarding corporate complicity and political pressure.
The studio stated they made the decision not to release the game on Xbox in accordance with the demands of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement. They referred to the movement’s designation of Microsoft and Xbox as priority targets for boycott, explaining that their decision was driven by a refusal to cross a specific line related to international advocacy.
The controversy centers on Microsoft’s role. Activists within the BDS movement argue that Microsoft is a priority target because of its provision of services like Azure cloud and AI technologies to the Israeli military, which they allege contributed to military operations. House House acknowledged that this platform decision meant that some players would miss out on the opportunity to play Big Walk with their friends on Xbox for the time being.
The developers made it clear that their intention was for Big Walk to be a group experience. While they expressed disappointment that some players would be excluded from the Xbox release, they emphasized that their goal was not to withhold the game indefinitely. Instead, they stated they would love for people to play the game on Xbox once Microsoft and Xbox were removed from the BDS movement’s boycott targets.
For now, those eager to jump into the adventure with friends must seek alternatives, as the studio has made its position unambiguous. Whether this stance changes in the future remains unknown, but the game’s release highlights how complex the intersection of entertainment, commerce, and social activism can become in the modern gaming landscape.
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