Big Walk, the online co-op adventure from House House, the studio behind Untitled Goose Game, launched in August on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The game invites friends to explore a sprawling world together, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden secrets through teamwork and communication.

Despite its focus on bringing people together, Big Walk won't be coming to Xbox. After players questioned the platform's absence, House House explained that the decision is tied to the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and its campaign targeting Microsoft over the company's contracts with the Israeli military.

The BDS movement has called for a boycott of Microsoft, citing its business relationships with Israel. The campaign has drawn attention to Microsoft's cloud computing and artificial intelligence services, which have been reported as being used by the Israeli military.

House House says its decision reflects its support for the boycott. The studio also acknowledged that withholding the game from Xbox means some players won't be able to enjoy the experience with friends on their preferred platform.

In its statement, House House recognized the disappointment Xbox players may feel while making clear that the studio isn't planning to change its position unless Microsoft or Xbox is removed from the BDS movement's list of boycott targets.

The studio stated:

“It has always been our intention for Big Walk to be played by groups of friends, and we know that keeping the game off Xbox runs counter to those intentions. This decision means that some people will miss out on playing Big Walk with their friends, and we understand the disappointment we’re causing. We are disappointed too. 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. We’ve made this decision with the belief that meaningful change can be made in the world, that coordinated collective action can confront even the most powerful interests, and that one day, Palestine will be free.”

For now, House House's position means Xbox players shouldn't expect a version of Big Walk unless the circumstances outlined by the studio change. The decision also highlights how political and ethical considerations can influence where independent developers choose to release their games.

Would you support this decision, even if it meant missing out on the game? Share your thoughts in the comments.