Celeste and TowerFall have delisted from Xbox’s digital storefronts to support BDS boycott
Two acclaimed indie games, Celeste and TowerFall, have been delisted from Xbox’s digital storefronts in recent weeks. Maddy Thorson, director of both titles, confirmed the decision on BlueSky, explaining that the move was made in support of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement—a Palestinian-led campaign that applies economic pressure on organizations perceived as complicit in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Microsoft’s gaming division is specifically identified as a priority target by BDS, grouped alongside major tech companies including Google and Amazon. The decision by Maddy Thorson aligns with previous action taken by House House, developer of the cooperative puzzle adventure Big Walk, which had similarly declined to release their title on Xbox in support of the same cause.
This reflects growing activism within the independent game development community regarding geopolitical concerns. Celeste, a narrative platformer, and TowerFall, a competitive party fighter, remain available on other digital distribution platforms but are no longer sold through Xbox’s digital marketplace.