### All Will Rise Joins No Games For Genocide Boycott Against Microsoft
The creators of the upcoming anti-capitalist deckbuilder *All Will Rise*, developed by Speculative Agency, have announced their participation in the No Games For Genocide boycott, which targets Microsoft due to its business relations with the Israeli military. This move entails returning funds received from Microsoft through their developer acceleration program, which had been set for 2025. Speculative Agency has also decided against launching the game on Microsoft platforms.
#### About All Will Rise
For those unfamiliar with *All Will Rise*, the game is set in the mythical city of Muziris, where players manage a legal team attempting to sue a billionaire for the murder of a river god. Utilizing a deckbuilding mechanic, players engage in card-based legal strategies to garner support both in the courtroom and within the community. A demo of the game is currently available on Steam.
The narrative director, Meghna Jayanth, known for her work on critically acclaimed titles such as *80 Days*, *Thirsty Suitors*, and *Sable*, has spoken publicly about the difficult choice to join the boycott. She acknowledged that for indie developers, funding and visibility are scarce resources, but expressed hope that other studios would also take a stand.
#### Background on the Boycott
The No Games For Genocide boycott originated in response to Microsoft’s sale of cloud services and AI technologies to Israel amid its military actions in Gaza that escalated from October 2023. During this period, there was significant violence, resulting in a reported death toll exceeding 70,000, largely affecting non-combatants, including thousands of children. Allegations of genocide have been voiced by both UN bodies and Israeli human rights organizations, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the international tech sector’s role in facilitating violence and oppression through their services.
While Microsoft has implemented measures to restrict access to some technologies in Israel, they have not completely severed ties. A fragile truce was agreed upon between Israel and Hamas, yet violence continues to impact civilians.
#### Speculative Agency’s Challenges
Speculative Agency had begun discussions about the boycott late last year, shortly after the launch of No Games For Genocide. The team expressed concerns about the financial ramifications of this decision, as they had already received funding from Microsoft as part of the accelerator deal and, like many indie developers, were heavily reliant on funding opportunities.
The decision to join the boycott not only involves returning the funding but also forgoing access to the Xbox platform, which poses a significant financial risk and limits their potential player base. Nevertheless, the team remained resolute in their convictions, thanking those at Microsoft who understood their position.
Jayanth shared her personal reflections on the situation, linking it to her experiences as an Indian, given India’s substantial military transactions with Israel. She stressed the moral implications faced by those in the gaming industry and the importance of taking a stand against the militarization and normalization of such narratives in mainstream games.
#### Broader Implications of the Boycott
Jayanth articulated a vision that transcends *All Will Rise*, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the gaming industry in addressing its complicity in military narratives and broader ethical concerns. As articulated by the boycott organizers, the initiative focuses on dismantling the relationships between the gaming industry and military influences, asserting that the normalization of military presence in games, including recruitment practices and development of military simulations, is a deep-rooted issue that must be addressed.
In conclusion, Speculative Agency’s decision to join the No Games For Genocide boycott underscores a significant moment in the indie gaming community, reflecting a growing awareness of moral responsibility intertwined with commercial success. The hope remains that unified actions can lead to real change within the industry and beyond.
