Penguin Colony Developers Take a Stand by Banning Game Sales in Israel

I always make it a point to watch the credits roll after finishing a game, not just to honor the creators but also to see if there are any hidden surprises at the end, a habit shaped by years of Marvel movie culture. In the case of Penguin Colony, which feels like a blend of At the Mountains of Madness and March of the Penguins, there was indeed a surprise, though not the one I anticipated.

This statement is so bold it could almost make you fan yourself or step outside for some fresh air. The gaming industry has faced criticism for its silence on serious issues, including genocide. Members of a now-defunct initiative once urged a prominent figure in the industry to address these matters as he did with the war in Ukraine, but their open letter to a major awards event went unanswered. Recently, the developers of Big Walk explained that their game isn’t available on Xbox due to the BDS movement. However, what I encountered in Penguin Colony is the most direct commentary I’ve seen on this topic within a game.

The developers have taken action by making the game unavailable for purchase in Israel. On the Steam forum, an Israeli user inquired about the game’s absence in their region. A representative from the team replied, stating, “While we generally aim to make our games accessible to as many players as possible, we firmly believe that developers should have control over where their games are sold. In this instance, the developer requested that we block sales in Israel. In the absence of more organized sanctions, this act is meant to show solidarity with Palestine. We fully support their decision.”

You don’t need fiery statements or boycotts to grasp the mindset of the team at Origame Digital, the creators of Penguin Colony. Right from the start, they had my attention with a clear land acknowledgment.

When a developer makes their values known directly through their game, rather than on social media where it might be overlooked, I find that incredibly impactful. It challenges me to reflect on my own values and how they align with my actions. Often, I realize I can do better, prompting me to consider how I live, where I reside, and how I spend my money. The penguins and their creators inspire me to strive for improvement.