Celeste and TowerFall have delisted from Xbox's digital storefronts to support BDS boycott
News Source
β’Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:57:47 +0000
π° What Happened
Two well-known indie games, Celeste and TowerFall, have been removed from Xbox's digital store. Their creator, Maddy Thorson, said the move supports the BDS boycott of Microsoft.
BDS is a Palestinian-led campaign that asks people and companies to avoid business with firms it links to Israel. Microsoft is one of its targets.
The delisting means Microsoft no longer earns a cut from sales of those games on Xbox. Both titles are still sold on Steam. Another studio, House House, made a similar choice this month.
π The Backstory
Celeste is a much-loved platformer about climbing a mountain. TowerFall is a local multiplayer favourite. Both were big hits for a small studio.
Console makers take a share of every digital sale, so removing a game costs the platform money. Stores also rely on famous indie titles to attract players.
The BDS movement began in 2005 and targets companies it says profit from Israeli policies. Supporters see boycotts as peaceful protest. Critics call them unfair to ordinary workers and gamers.
π― Why It Matters
Games you buy digitally can vanish from a store at any time. This shows how a few developers' political choices can change what millions of players can buy.
Two well-known indie games, Celeste and TowerFall, have been removed from Xbox's digital store. Their creator, Maddy Thorson, said the move supports the BDS boycott of Microsoft.
BDS is a Palestinian-led campaign that asks people and companies to avoid business with firms it links to Israel. Microsoft is one of its targets.
The delisting means Microsoft no longer earns a cut from sales of those games on Xbox. Both titles are still sold on Steam. Another studio, House House, made a similar choice this month.
Celeste is a much-loved platformer about climbing a mountain. TowerFall is a local multiplayer favourite. Both were big hits for a small studio.
Console makers take a share of every digital sale, so removing a game costs the platform money. Stores also rely on famous indie titles to attract players.
The BDS movement began in 2005 and targets companies it says profit from Israeli policies. Supporters see boycotts as peaceful protest. Critics call them unfair to ordinary workers and gamers.
Games you buy digitally can vanish from a store at any time. This shows how a few developers' political choices can change what millions of players can buy.