// THE VERGE — GAMING
Big Walk skipped Xbox to boycott Microsoft’s involvement with Israel
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‘We’ve made this decision with the belief that meaningful change can be made in the world.’
‘We’ve made this decision with the belief that meaningful change can be made in the world.’
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Big Walk’s co-op multiplayer walking adventure has proved popular since launching in August, but Xbox players have been excluded from the fun — and now the game’s creators have explained why. Developer House House said in a blog post that it decided not to release Big Walk on Xbox consoles in accordance with the Palestinian-led BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, which has called to boycott Microsoft, including products under the company’s gaming division.
Microsoft was named a priority BDS target in June last year over contracts it has with the Israeli military and government, with the boycott specifically calling out Xbox consoles and Game Pass subscriptions, gaming franchises owned by Microsoft, and any gaming accessories produced by the company. Microsoft’s involvement with Israel has also been protested by its own employees, and the company has fired staffers for participating in pro-Palestine demonstrations.