Indie RPG Protests Against Microsoft by Delisting from Xbox
The Bold Move by Ice Water Games
In a surprising turn of events, the indie RPG Tenderfoot Tactics has been voluntarily removed from Xbox’s digital platform. This decision by the creators, Ice Water Games, adds significant weight to the ongoing Palestinian protest against Microsoft due to its alleged affiliations with the Israeli military. This bold move is a part of a wider campaign that aims to highlight and protest corporate associations that are purportedly linked to military operations in Gaza.
The Backstory of Tenderfoot Tactics
Tenderfoot Tactics made its initial debut on PC back in 2020 and has since garnered favorable reviews on Steam. Its availability on Xbox began somewhat quietly earlier this year, reaching out to fans of tactical RPGs drawn to its unique storyline set against the backdrop of a world consumed by enigmatic fogs. Despite its subtle Xbox presence, the game has become a symbol in a larger socio-political context.
An Alliance with the BDS Movement
Joining forces with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign, Tenderfoot Tactics aligns itself against Microsoft, accused of supporting the Israeli Defense Forces with essential cloud and AI services. As the BDS movement gains traction, the decision to remove the game resounds beyond typical corporate decisions, reflecting a powerful statement against perceived injustices.
The Industry’s Political Awakening
The removal of Tenderfoot Tactics from Xbox signifies a growing trend among developers who are increasingly willing to leverage their platforms for political expression, often involving financial sacrifices. This trend highlights a shift within the gaming community where ethical considerations become intertwined with business decisions. Ice Water Games’ daring act might inspire others to reconsider their stances and actions regarding global issues.
A Call for Microsoft’s Response
As per the current situation, Microsoft has not yet issued any formal acknowledgment of the game’s removal nor addressed the wider claims by the BDS movement. The company’s silence only fuels the discourse, urging concerned voices for a comprehensive response. Whether Microsoft will choose to engage remains uncertain, but the gaming world watches closely for the next chapter in this unfolding narrative.
As stated in Game Rant, this move by Ice Water Games may set the stage for other developers to also consider how their creations can reflect or support their beliefs and principles on a global stage.
