Indie studio Speculative Agency has decided to return its funding from Microsoft to join the No Games for Genocide boycott, an initiative aimed at holding corporations accountable for their involvement in geopolitical issues. The studio is working on a narrative courtroom deck-builder game titled All Will Rise, focusing on corporate accountability and ecocide. In making this decision, Speculative Agency acknowledged the financial risks involved, as they would have to seek alternative funding while potentially losing access to the Xbox platform. Despite these challenges, the studio believes in collective action's power and encourages other indie developers to consider joining their cause. The game blends strategic role-playing with a storyline set in a speculative version of Kerala, India.

What led Speculative Agency to return its Xbox funding?

Speculative Agency returned its Xbox funding to join the No Games for Genocide boycott, believing that every action matters in holding corporations accountable for their complicity in global issues. They aim to set an example for other indie teams to consider collective action for ethical reasons.

All Will Rise is particularly notable as it tackles themes of environmental destruction and corporate greed, reflecting current real-world issues surrounding ecological and political crises. The game invites players to engage with compelling narratives within a courtroom setting, addressing the broader implications of corporate practices in today's society. A demo of All Will Rise is available on Steam, providing players with a glimpse of its innovative gameplay mechanics and storytelling style.