Indie Game Developers Boycott Microsoft Over Ties to Israel

The video game industry is currently facing a funding crisis, particularly impacting indie developers. Following a surge in investment during the pandemic, financial support has significantly dwindled. Amid this backdrop, Speculative Agency, the developers of the game *All Will Rise*, made headlines by returning funding from Microsoft. This decision arose after the team became aware of the No Games for Genocide collective, which formed in response to the Israeli assault on Gaza. This group advocates for a boycott of Microsoft due to its ties with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and its perceived complicity in what a United Nations commission has labeled genocide.

The Guardian

In late 2025, Speculative Agency decided to return Microsoft’s investment, citing ethical concerns regarding the company's relationship with the IDF. Meghna Jayanth, the narrative designer for *All Will Rise*, articulated the motivation behind this decision, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals to act against perceived injustices. “This decision felt to right to us... If enough developers and studios join us in this boycott, [we] do have the power to pressure Microsoft to end its complicity in Israeli genocide,” Jayanth stated.

The Guardian

The No Games for Genocide campaign has garnered significant traction, with nearly 2,800 signatories, including nine organizations and three studios committed to refusing or returning Microsoft funding. A spokesperson for the collective noted the importance of supporting studios in navigating the risks associated with taking such a stance. The campaign aims to extend beyond Microsoft, targeting other companies like Intel, Amazon, Dell, and HP, which are also implicated in military and governmental ties.

The Guardian

Despite the growing movement, larger gaming companies have largely remained silent on the issue, creating a climate where employees feel hesitant to voice their opinions. Critics argue that the gaming industry is deeply intertwined with military interests, complicating efforts to divest from companies involved in human rights abuses. The No Games for Genocide organizers acknowledge the challenges posed by global capitalism, stating, “None of us can do it alone, but all of us can do it together.”

The Guardian

While Microsoft has not publicly commented on the return of funding, the company previously terminated the IDF's access to certain services, although the military continues to utilize other Microsoft products. The response from the gaming community has been largely supportive, with many expressing a desire for greater accountability and ethical practices within the industry.

The Guardian

The No Games for Genocide campaign is poised to continue its efforts, aiming to empower more developers and studios to take a stand against corporate complicity in conflicts. The organizers remain hopeful that their actions will inspire broader change within the gaming industry and beyond.

The Guardian

• “This decision felt to right to us – the game we’re making is about making people feel powerful, and acting, and not giving into cynicism and hopelessness,” — Meghna Jayanth, Narrative Designer, *All Will Rise*

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• “We’re working with these studios to support them in navigating the challenges and risks of taking a stance like this, and we’re very proud of them for doing so.” — No Games for Genocide Spokesperson

The Guardian

• “We feel hopeful, based on the initial response to our campaign, that there are many people in the games industry who care about this and want to do something – and we hope to empower people to do just that,” — No Games for Genocide Spokesperson

The Guardian