Celeste and TowerFall Delisted from Xbox as Developer Maddy Thorson Backs BDS Movement

Acclaimed indie games Celeste and TowerFall were suddenly removed from Xbox earlier this week, and developer Maddy Thorson has confirmed the delisting was intentional. In a Bluesky post, Thorson said the games were pulled from sale on Xbox in support of the BDS movement, which advocates boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against companies tied to Israel's government during the conflict in Palestine. The move affects two beloved titles with large player bases, drawing attention to the growing intersection of gaming and political activism. Thorson, known for the critically praised platformer Celeste, has a history of outspoken social stances, but this is the first time the developer has removed games from a major platform for political reasons. Xbox players who already own the games can still access them, but new purchases are no longer possible. The decision may inspire other indie developers to consider similar actions, potentially reshaping how platforms and creators navigate political expression.