Celeste and TowerFall creator removes both titles from Xbox to back BDS campaign

Developer Maddy Thorson has pulled platformer Celeste and archery combat title TowerFall from digital Xbox storefronts. In a post on Bluesky, Thorson confirmed that the sudden removal was intentional and made to support the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement against Microsoft. [1][2]

The delisting leaves both games completely unavailable for purchase on Xbox, cutting off the platform cut Microsoft collects on digital distribution. However, players can still buy both titles on PC through Steam, as well as on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. [1][2]

The BDS campaign designated Microsoft as a target over its provision of Azure cloud and artificial intelligence systems to Israel, prompting the group to urge boycotts of Xbox consoles, Game Pass subscriptions, and games. Microsoft has acknowledged supplying AI tools to Israel's Ministry of Defense while claiming there is no evidence the technology was used to harm people in Gaza. Thorson joins other independent creators boycotting Xbox, following similar actions by the developer of Tenderfoot Tactics in 2025 and Big Walk studio House House. [1][2]