### Boycott Microsoft: An Appeal from Indie Developer Dan DiIorio of *Luck Be a Landlord*
In a significant move within the gaming realm, Dan DiIorio, the mind behind the indie slot machine game *Luck Be a Landlord*, has called on fans to avoid buying the game on Xbox. This plea arises from his disapproval of Microsoft’s backing of Israel amidst the ongoing strife in Palestine. DiIorio has voiced his support for the Palestinian cause and is advocating for a Microsoft boycott.
On December 18th, DiIorio shared a message from the investigative gaming platform *People Make Games*, which underscored the ongoing boycott against Xbox due to its participation in the Israel-Palestine dispute. Subsequently, he made a personal appeal, urging fans explicitly, “Please do not buy *Luck Be a Landlord* on Xbox.” He committed to donating $10,000 to The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, with the intention of counterbalancing any income generated for Microsoft from his game.
Initially launched on PC in 2023, *Luck Be a Landlord* is a roguelike slot machine title that enables players to handle their finances and pay rent through an upgradeable slot machine mechanism. After its successful release on PC, it was adapted for consoles, including Xbox, earlier this year.
In his correspondence with *Kotaku*, DiIorio encouraged supporters to think about donating to The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, irrespective of their intentions to buy the game on Xbox. He also proposed that Xbox Game Pass subscribers consider terminating their memberships in light of the current geopolitical circumstances.
DiIorio’s position is not unique; he is part of a rising movement within the indie game development sphere aiming to separate themselves from Microsoft regarding the Israel-Palestine issue. Earlier in April, the creators of *Tenderfoot Tactics* took their game off the Xbox store as a sign of solidarity with the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) initiative against Israel. They issued a public statement expressing their hope that Microsoft would listen to the united voices of workers and consumers demanding an end to business relations with the Israeli military.
The appeal for a boycott has ignited conversations not only on social media but also throughout the wider gaming community, as developers and fans alike grapple with the intricacies of political activism in gaming. This ongoing situation stands as a powerful reminder of how the gaming industry overlaps with global concerns, urging developers and consumers to take a position amid challenges.
As the boycott movement evolves and continues to influence companies like Microsoft, it is yet to be determined how this will impact the availability and sales of titles like *Luck Be a Landlord* on platforms embroiled in these political discussions.
