Celeste and TowerFall Delisted from Xbox in Support of BDS Movement
Maddy Thorson explains the decision to remove her games from the platform due to Microsoft's ties with the Israeli military.
In a surprising move, the popular indie games Celeste and TowerFall have been delisted from Xbox, marking a significant shift in the gaming landscape. This decision was made in support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, a global campaign aimed at pressuring Israel to end its occupation and discrimination against Palestinians 123. The move highlights the growing influence of political and social activism within the gaming community, where developers and players alike are using their platforms to advocate for causes they believe in.
Maddy Thorson, the celebrated developer behind both Celeste and TowerFall, took to Bluesky to announce the removal of her games from Xbox, providing insight into the reasoning behind this change 13. Thorson’s actions follow a trend set by other developers, such as House House, whose game 'Big Walk' was not released on Xbox due to similar BDS considerations 13.
The choice to delist these titles can be traced back to Microsoft’s longstanding partnership with the Israeli military, which has seen the tech giant provide crucial technological support, including Azure cloud and AI services, to the military apparatus 1. This partnership has been particularly contentious because of the use of Microsoft’s Azure technology by the Israeli military for mass surveillance of Palestinians, a practice that has drawn widespread criticism 1.
Despite the absence of Celeste and TowerFall from Xbox, gamers can still enjoy these beloved titles on other platforms. Both games remain available on PlayStation, PC, and Nintendo Switch, ensuring that fans will not be left without access to the adventures of Madeline and the thrilling battles of TowerFall 2.
Celeste, which was released in 2018, has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Best Indie Game award at The Game Awards 3. Meanwhile, TowerFall, originally released on Ouya in 2014, continues to be celebrated for its fast-paced, single-screen multiplayer action 3.
This development underscores the interconnectedness of the gaming industry and broader geopolitical issues. It also showcases the power of individual developers to make impactful decisions that resonate beyond the realm of entertainment. As the BDS movement gains traction, more companies and individuals may find themselves making similar choices, reflecting a growing alignment between personal values and business practices.
What we know
- Celeste and TowerFall were delisted from Xbox. 123
- The decision was made in support of the BDS movement. 123
- Maddy Thorson announced the removal of the games on Bluesky. 13
- House House's game, Big Walk, was not released on Xbox due to BDS support. 13
- Microsoft provides Azure technology to the Israeli military, used for mass surveillance of Palestinians. 1
- Celeste was released in 2018. 123
- TowerFall is described as a single-screen multiplayer action game. 1
- Celeste and TowerFall remain available on PlayStation, PC, and Switch. 2
- TowerFall was originally released on Ouya in 2014. 3
- Celeste won Best Indie Game at The Game Awards. 3
- No Games For Genocide is a group of developers and gaming professionals advocating for a boycott of Xbox. 3
- Penguin Colony also banned its sale in Israel in support of the BDS movement. 3
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Verification report
- confirmed
Celeste and TowerFall were delisted from Xbox.
91% · supported by 3 - confirmed
The decision to remove the games was made in support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
91% · supported by 3 - likely
Maddy Thorson, the developer of Celeste and TowerFall, announced the removal of the games from Xbox on Bluesky.
82% · supported by 2 - likely
House House's game, Big Walk, was not released on Xbox due to BDS support.
82% · supported by 2 - likely
Microsoft is targeted by BDS due to its partnership with the Israeli military and provision of technology like Azure cloud and AI services.
70% · supported by 1 - likely
Microsoft provided Azure technology to the Israeli military, which was used for mass surveillance of Palestinians.
70% · supported by 1 - confirmed
Celeste was released in 2018.
91% · supported by 3 - likely
TowerFall is described as a single-screen multiplayer action game.
70% · supported by 1 - likely
Celeste and TowerFall remain available on PlayStation, PC, and Switch.
68% · supported by 1 - likely
TowerFall was originally released on Ouya in 2014.
67% · supported by 1 - likely
Celeste won Best Indie Game at the Game Awards.
67% · supported by 1 - likely
No Games For Genocide is a group of developers and gaming professionals advocating for a boycott of Xbox.
67% · supported by 1 - likely
Penguin Colony also banned its sale in Israel in support of the BDS movement.
67% · supported by 1
