Big Walk skipped Xbox to boycott Microsoft’s involvement with Israel
Published
What's this about?
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 accord
The one-panel cartoon
Read the cartoon's script
A cozy living room filled with various video game consoles, including a prominent PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, but notably absent is the Xbox. A group of friends sit around, engrossed in playing Big Walk on their devices except for one player who looks visibly upset and isolated with an empty space reserved for an Xbox.
Caption: Sometimes walking away is the biggest step forward.
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on theverge.com.
Editor's note
The decision by Big Walk’s creators to exclude Xbox from their game is a powerful statement about standing up for what they believe in, showing that game developers are using their platforms to address real-world issues like support for Israel. It’s a reminder that the choices we make as consumers and creators can have a significant impact.
Rate this comic
Read the script
Panel 1
Big Walk is a popular co-op multiplayer walking adventure game. The game’s developers, House House, chose not to release the game on Xbox consoles to protest Microsoft’s business dealings with Israel. The irony lies in a group of people who enjoy walking together in a game boycotting a platform because of a political stance, leading to exclusion for Xbox players who miss out on the co-op experience. The highlight is the contrast between the inclusive nature of the game and the exclusionary action taken by the developers, encapsulated in a relatable character saying, ---
Narrator: So, we boycott a platform to walk together, but we leave some friends behind on Xbox?
Panel 2
*Inside a cozy living room, two friends are sitting on a couch, both holding controllers. One of them, JOE, is visibly frustrated while the other, LUCY, looks thoughtful.*
JOE: This is ridiculous. We can't play Big Walk together because of some political stuff. I mean, it's a walking game!
Panel 3
*The living room scene continues. Lucy is scrolling through her phone, while Joe is leaning back, clearly annoyed.*
LUCY: Yeah, I read about it. The developers are boycotting Xbox because of Microsoft's ties with Israel. It's a bit ironic.
Panel 4
*The two friends are still in the living room. Joe is looking at Lucy with a mix of confusion and exasperation.*
JOE: So, we boycott a platform to walk together, but we leave some friends behind on Xbox?
Comments