What Celeste's Xbox Removal Means for Players
This delisting signals growing political activism in the indie dev community, pressuring Microsoft and potentially encouraging other studios to follow suit. Players on Xbox lose access to a beloved ti…
This delisting signals growing political activism in the indie dev community, pressuring Microsoft and potentially encouraging other studios to follow suit. Players on Xbox lose access to a beloved ti…
Key points - Maddy Thorson confirmed Celeste and TowerFall were delisted from Xbox in support of the BDS boycott. - BDS targets Microsoft for alleged complicity in Israel's occupation, apartheid, and genocide against Palestinians. - BDS asks supporters to boycott Xbox games, Game Pass, and Microsoft titles like Minecraft and Call of Duty. - Celeste remains available on PlayStation, Nintendo, and non-Microsoft PC platforms. - Xbox plans to cut 3,200 jobs by the end of the fiscal year with layoffs through January.
Timeline - Earlier this year: The Guardian reports Microsoft cut off an Israeli intelligence agency from using its technology after an inquiry into mass surveillance. - Today: Players notice Celeste and TowerFall have disappeared from Xbox. - Today: Maddy Thorson confirms the delisting was done to support the BDS boycott.
FAQ
Q: Why was Celeste removed from Xbox? A: Developer Maddy Thorson delisted Celeste and TowerFall from Xbox to support the BDS boycott, which targets Microsoft over its ties to Israel.
Q: Can I still play Celeste on other platforms? A: Yes, Celeste is still available on PlayStation, Nintendo, and other non-Microsoft PC platforms. Only the Xbox version was removed.
Q: What is the BDS movement asking gamers to do? A: BDS asks supporters to boycott Xbox games, Game Pass subscriptions, and Microsoft-owned titles like Minecraft and Call of Duty.
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