The STJV union at Arkane Studios in France, a Microsoft studio, has recently made headlines by demanding that the company sever all commercial ties with the Israeli government. This bold move was prompted by a call from the BDS movement, which accused Microsoft of complicity in what they described as “genocide” due to their collaboration with the Israeli army.
Employee Dissatisfaction and Concerns
The employees of Arkane Studios did not hold back in expressing their dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s actions, stating that the company should not be complicit in any form of genocide. They voiced their concerns that Microsoft’s technology is being used to facilitate destruction in Gaza, rather than giving a voice to the oppressed. The group is calling for full transparency from Microsoft regarding their links with the Israeli military and is urging the company to undergo an independent audit.
Boycott Calls and Impact on Xbox Games
The BDS movement, led by Palestinians, has labeled Microsoft as the “most complicit tech company” in the Gaza situation and is urging a boycott of all the company’s gaming products. This includes popular titles such as Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, as well as franchises like Call of Duty and Candy Crush. The pressure is mounting on Microsoft to end its collaboration with the Israeli government. This situation has also raised concerns among Arkane Studios employees about the potential impact on the viability of Xbox games and, by extension, their own job security.
Microsoft’s Response
In response to these accusations, Microsoft has defended its position by stating that after thorough internal and external reviews, no evidence has been found to suggest that their technology has been used to harm individuals in Gaza. The company has confirmed its commercial relationship with the Israeli Ministry of Defense, describing it as a standard business arrangement. Microsoft has also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring the responsible use of their products through strict policies.
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