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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.
Best-selling games in the U.S. for August 2026 – Nintendo Switch 2 boosts Elden Ring to the top 10, Big Walk makes the list
Circana's August 2026 US sales chart shows NBA 2K27 and Madden NFL 27 leading, with Elden Ring surging to seventh place following the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. The list also features Mario Kart World and Splatoon Raiders, with Big Walk making an appearance. The year-to-date chart is topped by Resident Evil Requiem.
Tonda Ros, creator of Blue Prince, has played UFO 50 for almost 700 hours: 'I think it's easily my favourite…
Game developer Tonda Ros, creator of Blue Prince, shares his extensive playtime with UFO 50, calling it his favorite game of the last 20 years. He also discusses his current play of Cairn and the recently finished Big Walk, highlighting their intuitive controls and impactful narratives. Ros also reaffirms his enduring love for Myst, which remains installed on his PC.
Big Walk made more money than Counter-Strike and Warcraft in August
New data from August reveals that Big Walk and Star Wars Zero Company achieved significant revenue on PC, outperforming established titles like Counter-Strike and World of Warcraft. Big Walk sold over a million copies in its first six days, while Star Wars Zero Company, despite a late launch, also performed strongly. Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls showed mixed results, with a decent console performance but a disappointing PC launch.
Nintendo’s Latest Sale Is Made Possible By Tariff Refunds It’s Not Giving You
Nintendo of America announced a "Customer Appreciation Sale" offering 30% off games and access, attributing the promotion in part to tariff-related refunds. While Nintendo absorbed most costs, these refunds helped make the sale possible. Unlike Nintendo, the company behind the Playdate handheld, Panic, stated it would pass its own refunds onto customers.
Good news for some: Framework swims against the tide of the RAMpocalypse by 'retroactively reducing' its…
Framework is retroactively reducing prices on some of its LPCAMM2 memory modules due to securing a limited quantity at a lower cost. This move goes against the current trend of memory supply issues and price increases, with the company passing savings onto customers for both shipped and pending orders.
Even during a RAMpocalypse, Sony and Microsoft come across as less consumer-friendly than some PC brands with their refusal to give US tariff refunds back to consumers
Sony and Microsoft are facing lawsuits for allegedly not passing on US tariff refunds to consumers, despite some PC brands like Arctic and Panic doing so. Both console manufacturers have filed motions to dismiss the suits, arguing that consumers did not suffer a legally cognizable injury. This stance contrasts with smaller companies that have proactively refunded customers, leading to criticism of Sony and Microsoft's consumer-friendliness.
Both Microsoft and Sony say they're under no obligation to pass tariff refunds on to customers
Microsoft and Sony have stated they are not obligated to pass tariff refunds onto consumers, despite lawsuits arguing otherwise. Both companies claim customers paid the advertised price and are not owed any difference, even if tariffs were later deemed unconstitutional. While most major players are taking this stance, companies like Arctic and Panic are offering refunds or price rollbacks to customers.
Sony And Microsoft: We’re Keeping Tariff Refunds For Ourselves And You’ll Get Nothing
Sony and Microsoft are arguing in court that they are not obligated to provide refunds to consumers for price-hiked consoles related to US tariffs, choosing to keep the money themselves. This stance contrasts with companies like Panic, which is passing tariff refunds onto its Playdate customers. The article highlights consumer dissatisfaction with this decision, especially following recent price increases on platforms like the Nintendo Switch 2.
Sony and Microsoft request dismissal of consumer lawsuits over tariff refunds
Sony and Microsoft have filed motions to dismiss class action lawsuits that claim they failed to pass on tariff refunds to consumers for price-hiked hardware like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles. Both companies argue they are not legally obligated to provide such refunds, citing various factors beyond tariffs for price increases and noting they raised prices again even after tariffs were invalidated. Nintendo made similar arguments in a separate filing, while only Playdate maker Panic has refunded tariff surcharges to customers.
Following Nintendo's example, Sony and Microsoft argue they have no obligation to pass tariff refunds onto customers
Sony and Microsoft are arguing in separate lawsuits that they are not legally obligated to pass tariff refunds onto consumers who purchased their consoles at inflated prices. Both companies, along with Nintendo, are facing legal challenges from customers seeking compensation after US-imposed tariffs were ruled illegal and companies became eligible for refunds. While the platform holders maintain consumers paid fair market price, some smaller companies like Panic and Arctic have opted to refund customers.
Playdate maker Panic is passing tariff refunds on to customers
Panic, the maker of the Playdate handheld, is passing on tariff refunds to its customers who purchased the device while tariffs were in effect. This contrasts with Nintendo, which has stated it does not owe rebates to consumers for price increases made in response to tariffs, and is seeking dismissal of a related class-action lawsuit.
Panic refunds tariff fees, 1047 Games pivots from Splitgate, and Gamescom Dev grows - Patch Notes #67
This week's gaming news covers the prevalence of generative AI at Gamescom, Panic's refund of tariff fees for the Playdate handheld, and Rockstar Games' response to the Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks. Additionally, 1047 Games is ending development on Splitgate Arena Reloaded and Empulse, CAA launched an indie game fund, and actor Tim Curry passed away. Gamescom Dev saw growth, and No More Room in Hell 2 surpassed one million players.
Playdate maker Panic refunds tariff surcharges to customers
Playdate maker Panic is refunding customers who paid tariff surcharges, following a US Supreme Court ruling that President Trump's tariffs were unlawful. The company had added a 19% tariff line item to Playdate orders during a specific period. Separately, a report indicates the European games industry generated €30 billion in 2025, with mobile and tablets being the leading platforms.
If You Thought Console Prices Were Too High, Things Could Get Even Worse
The US administration is reportedly considering new tariffs on imported computer chips, which could lead to increased prices for gaming consoles, laptops, and servers. This potential move aims to encourage foreign tech companies to build manufacturing plants within the US. Previous tariffs have impacted console prices, with companies like Sony and Nintendo benefiting from tariff refunds, though these were not passed on to consumers.
Unlike The Big Console Makers, Playdate Is Refunding You Those Tariff Fees
Panic, the maker of the Playdate handheld console, is refunding customers the tariff fees it previously added to the product's price. This move contrasts with larger console manufacturers like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft, who have not passed on similar government refunds to consumers. Panic stated that the tariff fees were not their money to keep and that refunding them felt like the right decision.
Playdate maker Panic is refunding tariff fees to customers
Playdate manufacturer Panic is refunding customers who paid tariff fees during a specific period this year. The company received tariff refunds from the United States government and decided to pass the money back to its customers, citing that it was not their money to keep. This decision contrasts with other companies like Nintendo, which are reportedly keeping their tariff refunds.
Big Walk is a new co-op puzzle game classic
Big Walk is a co-op puzzle-adventure game for up to 12 players that emphasizes built-in proximity chat for communication. Players explore a mysterious island, solve puzzles by matching symbols or communicating non-verbally, and collect 'nubbins' to power a mysterious orb. The game's unique communication mechanics and engaging exploration lead to memorable moments and a strong ending, making it a potential Game of the Year contender.
Big Walk review: A thoughtful puzzle game that takes co-op communication to new levels
Big Walk is a co-op puzzle game developed by House House and published by Panic, focusing on communication and cooperation between players. The game features thoughtful puzzles set on an island, with players needing to rely on each other to solve challenges and collect items. It is available on PC and has a verified status on Steam Deck.
Big Walk strides past one million sales in its first week
The wholesome multiplayer game Big Walk, developed by House House and published by Panic, has surpassed one million sales in its first six days. The game, which features cooperative exploration and puzzle-solving in the Australian wilderness with proximity voice chat, is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2 with cross-play support.
