Celeste and TowerFall Removed from Xbox Store as Developer Joins Microsoft Boycott
The developers behind Celeste and TowerFall have removed both games from sale through the Xbox Store, explaining that the decision supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement's campaign targeting Microsoft. The development became public on October 29 when Celeste co-creator Maddy Thorson confirmed the decision through social media. Both games remain available through other platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo and PC storefronts.
The delisting prevents new purchases through Xbox but does not appear to revoke access for customers who already own the games. Celeste became one of the most acclaimed independent platformers of its generation through precise controls, demanding challenges and a narrative exploring anxiety and personal determination. TowerFall established a similarly strong reputation through competitive local multiplayer.
Their removal therefore represents a notable example of independent developers using control over their distribution rights to express a political position. The BDS movement advocates economic and cultural pressure on organisations it identifies as targets in connection with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Microsoft has been included in that campaign, while supporters and critics disagree about the effectiveness and appropriateness of such boycotts.
The decision follows a similar announcement concerning Big Walk, another independent game that will not launch on Xbox under current circumstances. For digital storefront operators, the situation demonstrates that platform availability is not determined exclusively by technical compatibility or commercial negotiations. Developers may also make distribution decisions based on political or ethical considerations. Players who already own the affected titles should retain access, but prospective Xbox customers will need to look elsewhere.
GameForceAsia is actively monitoring the October 30, 2026 gaming ecosystem, tracking major multiplatform releases, developer insights, preservation initiatives, and industry shifts through our centralized /news hub. Gamers following broader Asian and global gaming market dynamics, in-depth hardware evaluations (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC), and release roadmaps can explore dedicated coverage on /release-radar.
Today's report synthesizes verified developer communications, regulatory filings, festival milestones, and platform roadmap updates as of October 30, 2026. Because deployment timings, server configurations, and patch specifications can adapt during live rollout cycles, players are advised to consult official publisher channels for ongoing status notices.
Key Takeaways & Strategic Context
- Date: October 30, 2026. - Category: Storefronts & Distribution. - Primary subject: Celeste and TowerFall Removed from Xbox Store as Developer Joins Microsoft Boycott. - Ecosystem impact: Relevant for Asian and global players across PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox.
Q: What is the primary takeaway from Celeste and TowerFall Removed from Xbox Store as Developer Joins Microsoft Boycott? A: Extremely OK Games and Maddy Thorson remove Celeste and TowerFall from the Xbox Store in support of the BDS campaign targeting Microsoft.
Q: Where can readers follow related GameForceAsia coverage? A: Track our continuous news stream at /news, review full critical evaluations on /reviews, and explore upcoming hardware and title schedules on /release-radar.
Sources & Further Reading
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