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House House won’t release Big Walk on Xbox in support of Palestine’s BDS movement
Developer House House will not release their game Big Walk on Xbox in support of the Palestine-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, citing Microsoft's alleged complicity in human rights violations. The critically acclaimed game is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
79% of you think Razer's new gaming mouse feature counts as cheating
A poll revealed that 79% of readers consider Razer's 'Perfect 180' feature on the Basilisk V4 Pro gaming mouse to be cheating. While some argue it's an accessibility option, the majority believe any feature that moves the mouse for the player constitutes unfair advantage, a sentiment echoed by historical software like Microsoft's Intellipoint.
A New Call Of Duty Sub-Series Is Coming, After Years Of Black Ops and Modern Warfare
Activision confirmed a new sub-series is coming to Call of Duty, moving away from consecutive Black Ops and Modern Warfare entries. This change aims to provide a fresh experience for the community, with Treyarch and potentially Sledgehammer Games involved in future installments. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is set to release on October 23 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
Free Play Days – NBA 2K27, Crusader Kings III, The Alters, Bus Simulator 21, Soccer Story and Ravenswatch
Xbox Game Pass members can enjoy several games for free during Free Play Days, including NBA 2K27, Crusader Kings III, The Alters, Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, Soccer Story, and Ravenswatch. The Alters also offers a 3-hour timed trial for all players. Specific dates and times vary for each title.
GTA 6 Is Getting An Original Score From Electronic Duo Justice
Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature an original soundtrack by the French electronic duo Justice, with their new single "Flower in a Hurricane" also appearing on the official game soundtrack. The game will also include various in-game radio stations and podcasts, with Rockstar Games confirming 34 new songs written specifically for the title. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Nvidia's RTX Spark makes for an impressive Arm-based gaming laptop but not one I'd recommend you buy just for…
Nvidia's RTX Spark SoC offers an impressive, albeit expensive, Arm-based solution for gaming laptops, particularly excelling in AI workloads. While the Asus ProArt P16 demonstrates strong efficiency and performance comparable to some x86 gaming laptops, its high cost and limitations in single-core performance and emulation compatibility make it difficult to recommend for the average PC gamer. It represents a fascinating glimpse into the future of PC hardware, especially for those heavily invested in AI and creative tasks.
Dial Up the Cloud: NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 Controls Arrive on GeForce NOW
NVIDIA has introduced new DLSS 4.5 controls for GeForce NOW, allowing members to customize game visuals and performance in the cloud without requiring high-end hardware. This update coincides with the launch of Keen Games' Enshrouded 1.0 and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 on the service, alongside ten other new titles.
After two weeks using the ROG Xbox Ally X20 I respect it despite its giant price tag
The ASUS ROG Ally X20 offers a refined handheld gaming experience with a larger, brighter OLED screen, improved thermals, and comfortable ergonomics, but its $300 price increase over the standard model makes its value proposition questionable. While performance remains identical to the previous generation, the premium features are appealing for those seeking the best OLED handheld, though cheaper alternatives exist for less demanding users.
Big Walk devs explain why it isn't on Xbox and likely never will be, 'not until Microsoft and/or Xbox have been removed as BDS boycott targets'
Developer House House has confirmed that their co-op game Big Walk will not be released on Xbox due to the Palestinian-led BDS movement's call to boycott Microsoft and Xbox. The studio cited Microsoft's alleged use of Azure for storing intercepted telecommunications data from Gaza and The West Bank as the reason for the boycott target designation. While acknowledging the decision will disappoint some players, House House stated their belief in collective action for meaningful change.
House House will not release Big Walk on Xbox in support of pro-Palestinian BDS campaign
Melbourne-based developer House House will not release its co-op game Big Walk on Xbox due to support for the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign, which has designated Microsoft Games and Xbox as boycott targets. This decision, while understood to disappoint players, aligns with the developer's belief in collective action for meaningful change. Other indie developers have also taken similar stances against Microsoft's alleged complicity in Israeli actions.
Big Walk devs House House announce support for BDS Microsoft boycott, say the co-op puzzler isn't coming to Xbox
Big Walk developers House House have announced their support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement's boycott of Microsoft and Xbox. Citing business ties with the Israeli military, the studio confirmed their co-op puzzler Big Walk will not be released on Xbox platforms, despite the intention for it to be a multiplayer experience. This decision aligns with other developers protesting Microsoft's business practices.
Minecraft updates on PlayStation and Nintendo would end, but Xbox is reportedly asking fans how they feel about greater console exclusivity for current and upcoming games like Fallout 5
Xbox is reportedly surveying players about their feelings on increased console exclusivity for current and upcoming games, including titles like Fallout 5 and Hideo Kojima's Physint. A particularly concerning hypothetical question suggests removing Minecraft from PlayStation and Nintendo consoles and ceasing updates for those versions, which is seen as a potentially disastrous move given the game's massive player base on those platforms.
The Xbox Nano Controller is a compact, 'entry-level, rechargeable controller' launching next month —…
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Nano Controller, a compact and rechargeable gamepad launching on November 4 for $49.99. Designed to be pocketable and affordable for families, it features all standard Xbox inputs and supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth. Special holiday bundles with Samsung TVs and Meta Quest devices will also be available.
Big Walk developer explains the lack of Xbox version is due to Microsoft's place on the BDS boycott
Developer House House has explained that the co-operative puzzle game Big Walk will not be released on Xbox due to Microsoft's inclusion on a BDS boycott list. The studio cited Microsoft's partnership with Israel and its use of Azure Cloud and AI systems in the ongoing subjugation of Palestinians as reasons for Xbox's inclusion on the list. This decision means some players will be unable to play Big Walk with their friends.
Big Walk Developer Explains Why the Game Isn't on Xbox
House House, the developer of Big Walk, has explained its decision to boycott Xbox, stating the game will not be available on Microsoft's console. This boycott is a deliberate choice by the studio.
Evening Reading - October 14, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers several gaming news items, including Rockstar Games' statement on future development timelines after Grand Theft Auto 6, details on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake features like an enemy gallery and Amiibo support, and the announcement of the pocket-sized Xbox Nano Controller. Epic Games is bringing Fortnite to Linux, and World of Warcraft: Forever is implementing a Temporary Economy Holds system. The article also notes renewed interest in Star Wars games and celebrates the anniversary of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky.
Xbox Has Started Surveying Users About Future Games Being Exclusive – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly surveying users about making future games, excluding Call of Duty, console exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem. Franchises like DOOM, The Elder Scrolls, Minecraft, Diablo, and Fallout were mentioned as potential exclusives. This move aims to gauge player interest in investing in Xbox for exclusive content, with titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution already confirmed as non-timed exclusives.
Ukraine says Starlink is limiting its internet service and disrupting military operations
Ukraine's military is experiencing disruptions to its internet service due to speed limitations imposed by SpaceX's Starlink, according to Ukrainian leadership. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's adviser stated that these restrictions, implemented without warning, are impacting military operations amidst ongoing attacks from Russia. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk commented that Zelenskyy had "gone too far."
Xbox Survey About Exclusives Includes A Nuclear Strategy, But Wait Just A Minute
Microsoft's Xbox division is surveying users about potentially making all first-party games, except Call of Duty, console-exclusive to Xbox. This includes potentially removing Minecraft from PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. The survey also polled opinions on making Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and Diablo console-exclusive.
Xbox announces Nano Controller that can fit in your pocket
Xbox has announced the new Xbox Nano Controller, a miniature accessory designed to fit in a pocket and priced at $49.99 USD. The controller is compatible with Xbox consoles, PC, smartphones, and some smart TVs, featuring all standard buttons and inputs. It is available for pre-order now and will be released in November.
