In a recent development, an independent game label, Ice Water Games, has withdrawn its open-world tactics RPG, Tenderfoot Tactics, from the Xbox store. This decision stems from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement’s call to boycott Microsoft due to its alleged ties with the Israeli military through Azure cloud and AI services. The removal aims to express solidarity with the Palestinian-led campaign against what is perceived as Israeli oppression. Badru, a Seattle-based developer involved with Ice Water Games, emphasized that while this action may result in minor revenue loss, it serves a greater purpose by highlighting interconnected systems of oppression.
Details of the Decision
During a vibrant autumn season, Ice Water Games made headlines when they announced their choice to pull Tenderfoot Tactics from the Xbox store. This bold move was inspired by the BDS movement's recent inclusion of Microsoft on their list of priority targets. According to the statement released by the team, this action aligns with the campaign's efforts to pressure companies entangled with the Israeli military. Key figures like Badru, who considers Tenderfoot Tactics his personal project, expressed that despite minimal financial impact—merely a few hundred dollars per month—the symbolic gesture carries significant weight. Interestingly, post-removal sales on other platforms have already compensated for the lost revenue.
Badru highlighted that this initiative isn't about expecting immediate corporate collapse but rather revealing how oppressive systems interconnect. As part of a broader strategy involving both large corporations and smaller entities such as local grocery stores sourcing products from Israel, these actions collectively aim to foster awareness and solidarity. He also mentioned seeing positive responses within the gaming community, particularly among indie developers who share progressive values concerning peace and justice.
Moreover, Badru acknowledged the potential influence on fellow indie developers considering similar moves. With many recognizing that being listed on Xbox doesn’t significantly affect survival, he hopes others will follow suit, creating momentum towards meaningful change.
From a journalist's perspective, this story underscores the power of collective action even in seemingly small gestures. It shows how individuals across different sectors can unite under shared principles, leveraging their platforms to advocate for larger causes. Such acts remind us of the importance of standing up against injustices, proving that every voice matters in driving societal shifts toward equity and fairness.