Big Walk Dev explains why the game isn’t on Xbox
A Co-op Adventure Stops for Activism: Why Big Walk Isn’t on Xbox
The co-op puzzle adventure Big Walk was a critical success, lauded by reviewers for its beautiful emergent moments and cleverly built puzzles. Released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2, the game garnered high praise, earning a 91 rating on Metacritic and strong reviews for its rewarding co-op experience.
However, despite its widespread acclaim, the game surprisingly bypassed the Xbox platform. Fans were left wondering why the title was not available on Microsoft’s console, prompting a deeper look into the motivations behind the developer’s decision.
The choice was not arbitrary; it was rooted in a commitment to political action. House House, the Australian studio responsible for the game, opted to exclude the game from the Xbox ecosystem as a form of support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The BDS movement describes itself as a Palestinian-led movement advocating for freedom, justice, and equality. In alignment with this cause, the studio viewed Microsoft and, by extension, Xbox, as a priority target for boycott and divestment. This perspective is amplified by ongoing public and internal discussions regarding Microsoft’s involvement with the Israeli government, which has sparked controversy.
The decision to withhold the game from Xbox was a direct consequence of this stance. House House stated that they would not release Big Walk on Xbox until Microsoft and/or Xbox were removed as targets of the BDS boycott.
This move reflects a belief in the power of collective action, emphasizing that coordinated efforts can confront powerful interests. While the decision caused disappointment among some players who wished to access the game on all platforms, the developers maintained that meaningful change in the world was a greater priority.
Ultimately, the release of Big Walk on Xbox is now contingent on the political status of the entities involved, underscoring how gaming can become a platform for advocacy and social commentary.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
