Big Walk devs House House announce support for BDS Microsoft boycott, say the co-op puzzler isn't coming to Xbox

House House, the Melbourne-based developer behind the popular co-op game Big Walk, has announced it will not release the title on Xbox in solidarity with the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign. In a statement, House House explained that they have chosen not to release the game on Microsoft's platform due to Microsoft's designation of Xbox as a priority boycott target by the BDS movement, which calls for a boycott of Microsoft.

The developer stated that while they would love for players to be able to enjoy Big Walk on Xbox, it is only possible once Microsoft and/or Xbox are removed as BDS boycott targets. House House emphasized that their decision is driven by a belief in the power of collective action to bring about meaningful change and the hope for Palestine's eventual freedom.

They expressed disappointment at the decision, as it means some players will miss out on the game with their friends. The announcement comes as part of the growing No Games for Genocide movement, which seeks to pressure Microsoft to cease its complicity with Israel's occupation of Palestine. Other developers, such as Luck be a Landlord's Dan Dilorio and Speculative Agency's All Will Rise, have also chosen not to release their games on Xbox, with some even donating funds to The Palestine Children's Relief Fund.

Indie developer Ice Water removed their title, Tenderfoot Tactics, from Xbox in support of the BDS movement, and Arkane Studios' STJV union members have published an open letter demanding Microsoft cease its support for Israel. The BDS movement, which started in April 2025, has gained significant support, with over 2,000 Microsoft employees signing a petition demanding the company conduct an independent audit to ensure it is not involved in any human rights violations related to its operations in Gaza.