The developer behind acclaimed indie role-player Tenderfoot Tactics has removed the game from sale on Xbox, and said the decision was made to support a growing Palestinian-lead boycott of Microsoft.
“We have removed Tenderfoot Tactics from sale on Xbox in solidarity with BDS [Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions],” Tenderfoot Tactics developer Badru wrote on social media. “We call on others in our community to do whatever they can to fight this historic injustice. Free Palestine.”
Earlier this month, the Palestinian BDS National Committee added Microsoft to its list of companies flagged as having links to the Israeli military. In Microsoft’s case, the BDS Movement states that the maker of Windows and Xbox has provided Azure cloud and AI services “central to accelerating Israel’s genocide of 2.3 million Palestinians in the illegally occupied Gaza Strip”. Eurogamer has contacted Microsoft for comment.
The BDS Movement has subsequently issued a call for a boycott of Microsoft products, including Xbox specifically, as a visible way to pressure the company. Its website suggests cancelling your Xbox Game Pass subscription, and avoiding key Microsoft-owned franchises such as Minecraft, Call of Duty and Candy Crush.
“By boycotting the Xbox brand, we’re pressuring Microsoft to end its complicity in Israel’s genocide, occupation and apartheid against Palestinians,” the BDS Movement states. “Palestinians call on everyone to boycott Microsoft’s Xbox and Microsoft gaming products since viable gaming alternatives exist. Genocide is not a game.”
Other companies listed by the BDS to be boycotted include computer manufacturer HP, and Reebok, which sponsors the Israel Football Association.
AP reported earlier this month that Microsoft had swiftly fired two employees who interrupted a presentation on AI held during the company’s 50th anniversary celebration to protest links to Israel.