Big Walk, the co-op multiplayer walking adventure, has decided to exclude Xbox players from its fun, in a move that reflects the developer’s support for the Palestinian-led BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement. House House, the game’s creator, made the decision to not release Big Walk on Xbox consoles, following Microsoft’s contracts with the Israeli military and government.

The move comes as Microsoft faces increasing pressure from its own employees, some of whom have been fired for participating in pro-Palestine demonstrations. The BDS movement specifically targets Xbox consoles and Game Pass subscriptions, alongside other Microsoft gaming accessories. House House, in its blog post, expressed its intention to play the game with friends, but acknowledged the disappointment this decision would cause.

“We would love for people to be able to play the game on Xbox, but not until Microsoft and/or Xbox have been removed as BDS boycott targets,” the developers stated. The game is still playable on Microsoft’s Windows operating system, available via Steam.

This decision highlights the ongoing tensions between corporate interests and social justice movements, as one developer chooses to stand by its principles over a major platform. The future of such standoffs remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world of gaming is a complex landscape indeed.