Australian game developer House House, known for the critically acclaimed multiplayer title Big Walk, has announced it will not release the game on Xbox consoles. Despite the game’s widespread success and availability on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, the studio’s decision is rooted in ethical considerations linked to the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Palestine.
Following its impressive reception, including a Metacritic score of 91 out of 100, Big Walk has rapidly become one of the standout games of 2026. However, House House has confirmed it will exclude Xbox platforms from its release schedule as a direct form of protest aligned with the international BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement.
Developers Take a Stand Amid Political Controversy
In an official statement, the studio clarified that its refusal to launch Big Walk on Xbox consoles is a demonstration of solidarity with the BDS campaign, which advocates for Palestinian rights and aims to pressure Israel through economic and cultural boycotts. Microsoft has been singled out by the movement due to its established connections with Israel, prompting House House to support the boycott by withholding the game from the Xbox platform.
“We understand the disappointment we’re causing. We’re disappointed too,” the developers acknowledged, recognizing that some players will miss the opportunity to engage with their friends on Xbox. However, they remain firm in their stance, emphasizing that as long as Microsoft continues to be a target of the BDS campaign, Big Walk will remain unavailable on Xbox Series consoles.
The studio expressed hope that such acts of resistance against major corporations can contribute to meaningful changes in the broader geopolitical conflict. Through their decision, House House highlights the role that creators and consumers alike can play in influencing the direction of complex international issues.