In celebrating Pleasure this yr, we invite LGBTQIA+ communities and allies to unite of their help for justice and equality, and to amplify voices that fight discrimination across the globe. Crew Xbox shares our help for the LGBTQIA+ communities inside gaming, whereas elevating consciousness of present points impacting these communities.
With greater than half of online game gamers (52% ) agreeing that “my gaming id is a greater reflection of myself than my real-world id,” video video games are an vital outlet that offers gamers – particularly those that are LGBTQIA+ – the prospect to be who they need to be. At Xbox, we proceed to work on creating secure areas in gaming the place all LGBTQIA+ individuals are welcome and belong, the place everyone seems to be invited to play as their genuine self and revel in a neighborhood that welcomes self-expression.
That is additionally our probability to be actually intersectional by celebrating the huge array of individuals and identities that make up the colourful Xbox LGBTQIA+ world gaming communities. It’s extra vital than ever to acknowledge that methods of inequity primarily based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender id, incapacity, class, and different types of discrimination intersect and in the end have an effect on us all. The worldwide points that LGBTQIA+ communities face are interconnected and we should search to handle them collectively. We’re impressed by those that are utilizing their voice and actively collaborating throughout teams and inequities to drive change for and past LGBTQIA+ communities.
Xbox will proceed to champion a wide selection of content material and creators, in order that video games can higher symbolize gamers from all communities and identities. We additionally help organizations which might be driving change for points that impression LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly these preventing for transgender equality. This yr Xbox, together with Microsoft, is thrilled to proceed these efforts with a $170K donation to a number of LGBQTIA+ organizations, in addition to function an elevated variety of Pleasure-themed merchandise and designs which may hopefully encourage conversations and rally neighborhood actions.
We are going to assist drive these conversations and amplify various LGBTQIA+ voices at Xbox as we proceed to embrace and uplift the ability of voice and id. Listed below are a number of ways in which Crew Xbox shall be supporting LGBTQIA+ communities and celebrating Pleasure this yr:
Give
Microsoft is donating a complete of $170,000 to LGBTQIA+ nonprofits
Microsoft is constant our long-standing help of LGBTQIA+ organizations. Along with our staff, Microsoft has donated over $8M to organizations that help LGBTQIA+ communities within the final yr alone. To acknowledge the launch of our 2022 Pleasure marketing campaign and merchandise, we’re contributing an extra $170,000 to OutRight Motion Worldwide, African Rainbow Household, Nationwide Middle for Transgender Equality, Mermaids, Lavender Rights Undertaking and Fulcrum UA to assist in the combat for LGBTQIA+ fairness and equality. Study extra.
Gaming and Affect with Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards members in america and the UK can earn and donate factors to organizations supporting LGBTQIA+ communities with Xbox. The organizations under shall be featured on console all through June:
- Mermaids – Mermaids is among the main LGBTQ+ charities within the UK. Since 1995, the charity has been supporting trans, non-binary and gender-diverse younger individuals and their households. (US and UK)
- OutRight Motion Worldwide: OutRight Motion Worldwide fights for the human rights of LGBTIQ individuals all over the place. OutRight works on the worldwide, regional, and nationwide ranges to analysis, doc, defend, and advance human rights for LGBTIQ individuals all over the world. (US)
- Nationwide Middle for Transgender Equality – The Nationwide Middle for Transgender Equality (NCTE) advocates to vary insurance policies and society to extend understanding and acceptance of transgender and non-binary individuals. Within the nation’s capital and all through the nation, NCTE works to switch disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, alternative, and justice. (US)
Xbox players can earn Microsoft Rewards factors in varied methods, akin to taking part in or buying video games after downloading the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox. Earn factors and redeem them for actual rewards. Be part of us right now and donate by Xbox.
Get the Gear
Xbox Design Lab Options New Controller Impressed by Pleasure Accessible June 9
Final yr, Xbox shared a imaginative and prescient for a Pleasure controller. We produced a restricted batch of Pleasure controllers and shared it with LGBTQIA+ gamers and creators all over the world. Whereas the response to the controller was very constructive, many requested us to make this design universally obtainable. We heard you, and we’re increasing availability by making this yr’s Pleasure controller customizable by Xbox Design Lab, particularly underscoring the individuality of the LGBTQIA+ expertise.
This yr’s Pleasure high case design brings collectively 34 neighborhood flags in a high-quality, interwoven method to have a good time the nuance, complexity, intersectionality, and energy of the various LGBTQIA+ communities. You possibly can customise all different components of the controller with a broad coloration palette, metallic finishes, rubberized grips, and even add engraving to make your Pleasure controller distinctive to you.
However this isn’t only a controller. It’s a logo of the LGBTQIA+ communities that impressed it, and a name to proceed efforts towards inclusion and illustration throughout all gaming areas. So, we’re bringing collectively dozens of voices of LGBTQIA+ players, builders, content material creators and Microsoft staff inside an immersive storytelling expertise. We hope that by interacting with this expertise, individuals will see why LGBTQIA+ illustration and visibility issues, the way it has already impacted the lives of so many, and the way a lot we are able to all do to make gaming a matter of Pleasure.
Create your distinctive Pleasure controller beginning June 9, obtainable all over the place Xbox Design Lab is out there. Share your designs with us utilizing #Pleasure and #XboxPride. Uncover and be taught extra right here.
Get Your Xbox Pleasure Gear!
The Xbox Gear Store celebrates Pleasure Month with a brand new 2022 Pleasure assortment from Xbox and partnering Xbox Recreation Studios.
Present your help with limited-edition t-shirts, baggage, and extra — all created by and with LGBTQIA+ communities. This yr’s assortment is filled with much more Xbox Recreation Studios designs and eco-friendly choices. Store Pleasure gear now.
Play
XGS Publishing: Inform Me Why Accessible for Free in June + Charity Livestream
Inform Me Why, the award-winning narrative journey from Dontnod Leisure and Xbox Publishing, shall be obtainable without spending a dime on Xbox consoles, the Microsoft Retailer, and Steam for all the month of June 2022. To acknowledge that this yr has seen a sharp rise in anti-trans sentiment in america, Xbox Publishing is accompanying the free interval with donations of $25,000 every to Transgender Regulation Middle and Trans Lifeline, two non-profit organizations providing assets and help to trans, non-binary, and genderqueer individuals.
Xbox Publishing can be internet hosting a livestream of Inform Me Why to fundraise for Trans Lifeline on Thursday, June 23. We hope to see you there! Watch right here.
343 Industries Celebrates Pleasure with New “Unity” Emblem and Nameplate!
343 Industries celebrates Pleasure with a brand-new emblem and nameplate! Throughout the month of June, any gamers logging into Halo Infinite will obtain the “Unity” nameplate and emblem, created for any Spartan who needs to point out their true colours!
The Forza Franchise Celebrates Pleasure
Coming quickly in June, an unique Forza rainbow livery adorning the 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster shall be gifted in-game to gamers in Forza Horizon 5 and Forza Horizon 4, in addition to Forza Motorsport 7. Regulate the Turn 10 Studios Twitter to see when it’s been delivered to your in-game Message Middle.
Microsoft Informal Video games Is Exhibiting Our Pleasure
Have fun Pleasure Month with a brand new, restricted version Microsoft Informal Video games t-shirt and an opportunity to win a $25 Xbox Gear Store Reward Card! Be part of the enjoyable by sharing your love of video games within the Microsoft Solitaire Neighborhood. View the brand new shirt right here and click on to enter the Sweepstakes June 13 – 20 (Editor’s Word: ‘Entry’ hyperlinks shall be stay beginning June 13). Have to be 18+ and reside in an Xbox Gear Store supported delivery area. Guidelines might be discovered right here beginning on June 13.
Uncover
Uncover Video games Curated by LGBTQIA+ Communities at Microsoft
From GLAAD and the Gayming Awards to lesser-known hits, Microsoft Retailer on Xbox or Home windows guests and Xbox Recreation Cross members can simply entry among the most inspiring video games making LGBTQIA+ historical past than ever earlier than and play with pleasure at any time! Content material experiences have elevated to over 27 further areas right now as we proceed our missions to broaden Pleasure past borders and construct empathy and belonging by gaming content material.
Take a look at a number of highlights from the Xbox video games and Home windows video games reflecting the experiences of and resonating with LGBTQIA+ communities together with creators, leads, relationship choices, and character creation choices.
Unsighted (Accessible with Xbox Recreation Cross) – Created by Tiani Pixel and Fernanda Dias, who’re each trans and Brazilian, this LGBTQIA+ impressed, trendy hack and slasher options lesbian robots in a postapocalyptic world filled with selections.
No Longer House – Based mostly on Cel Davison and Hana Lee’s life, this recreation is about two non-binary individuals, Ao and Bo, who should depart London as a result of Ao is obliged to return to Japan. This recreation is about letting go of the life you’ve constructed attributable to circumstances past your management.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderland – Tiny Tina is your disorderly information by a rare tabletop realm the place guidelines hardly ever apply in her personal fantasy spin on the Borderlands world. The sport explores LGBTQIA+ tales, contains non-binary character creation choices, and contributing author, Sam Maggs, identifies as bisexual.
Lifeless by Daylight (Rated M and Accessible with Xbox Recreation Cross) – The newest chapter of the sport, Tome 11: Devotion, explores David King’s backstory as the primary overtly homosexual character on this survival horror recreation.
View the collections in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Eire, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the UK, and america. Guests to each the Xbox and Microsoft Retailer on Home windows can discover picks from LGBTQIA+ communities by trying to find “LGBTQIA+” and associated phrases. Content material is topic to availability by nation.
Xbox Ambassadors Characteristic Tales about LGBTQIA+ Illustration in Gaming
All through Pleasure Month, we shall be spotlighting tales about illustration in gaming from LGBTQIA+ Xbox Ambassadors throughout the communities. These are their tales.
Bethesda Roundtable with Arkane Austin and Homosexual Gaming Professionals (GGP) Students
The staff at Arkane Austin not too long ago sat down with college students inside LGBTQIA+ communities for a dialog on mentorship throughout the gaming business. The scholars are aspiring recreation builders, and students chosen by Homosexual Gaming Professionals in partnership with the ESA. You possibly can learn extra from their Q&A on Bethesda.web.
New Pleasure Gamerpics, Profile Theme, and Avatar Objects
In partnership with LGBTQIA+ communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a brand new gamerpic, profile themes, and avatar gadgets! The gamerpic and profile theme shall be obtainable on console and the Xbox PC app. Get your avatar gadgets right here. Content material is topic to availability by nation.
Tune In
Xbox Performs Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Communities
In celebration of Pleasure Month, Xbox Performs shall be dedicating our livestreaming content material in June to LGBTQIA+ communities, that includes streamers/content material creators, builders and nonprofits! Comply with us on our Xbox Twitch Channel and don’t miss any of the motion!
Xbox Podcast Talks Pleasure, Self-Expression, and Fairness for LGBTQIA+ Gamers
Xbox’s Main Nelson shall be joined by Kate Rayner, Vice President, Technical Director at The Coalition and Member of Crew Xbox LGBTQIA+ on the Official Xbox Podcast for a particular Pleasure month episode discussing the importance of intersectionality, the ability of gaming and id, and celebrating the range of LGBTQIA+ communities. Additionally, Elliott Hsu, Principal Designer of Gadgets at Microsoft, will be a part of to speak concerning the design story behind this yr’s Pleasure controller, which included partnering with LGBQTIA+ communities at each stage. The episode will cowl how Xbox is supporting LGBTQIA+ communities to play as their genuine selves and expertise the enjoyment of play with a neighborhood who values self-expression. Hearken to the podcast.
Xbox UKI + DIGIPRIDE Occasions
The UK’s main LGBTQIA+ online game occasion, DIGIPRIDE, is again this summer time celebrating all issues Pleasure from June by August on gaymingmag.com. As a presenting associate, Xbox UKI shall be serving up main moments over the following 3-months of enjoyable together with giveaways, Let’s Play streams, particular company on the Gayming Podcast and much more nonetheless to be revealed! Study extra.
For extra particulars about how Xbox is celebrating Pleasure, please go to our Unlocked Pleasure gaming expertise, centering on voices of LGBTQIA+ gamers and allies by the lens of our new Xbox Design Lab Pleasure controller. You may as well be a part of us by exploring the Microsoft marketing campaign at unlocked.microsoft.com.
