Big Walk Developer Explains Why the Game Isn't on Xbox

House House, the creators of the popular co-op puzzle adventure Big Walk, have revealed the reasoning behind the game's absence from Xbox consoles. The Australian studio initially launched Big Walk on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2, but decided not to release it on Xbox. Big Walk received critical acclaim, garnering a Metacritic score of 91 and being considered for Game of the Year. IGN awarded it a perfect 9/10 score, praising its rewarding co-op gameplay and beautiful emergent moments.

The decision to exclude Xbox from the game's platform list was made in solidarity with the Palestinian-led BDS movement, which has called for a boycott of Microsoft. The BDS movement lists Xbox as a priority target due to Microsoft's work with the Israeli government, a matter of controversy within the company. House House stated that they would not release Big Walk on Xbox until Microsoft is removed as a BDS boycott target.

In a statement published on their website, House House explained their decision, expressing disappointment in the exclusion of Xbox. They emphasized that their intention was for the game to be enjoyed by groups of friends, and keeping it off Xbox runs counter to those intentions. The developers acknowledged that some players would miss out on the opportunity to play Big Walk with their friends due to this decision.

House House expressed hope for meaningful change through collective action and emphasized their belief in the potential for Palestine to achieve freedom. They thanked readers for their understanding of their decision.