In celebrating Delight 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. Staff 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 identification is a greater reflection of myself than my real-world identification,” video video games are an necessary outlet that provides gamers – particularly those that are LGBTQIA+ – the possibility to be who they need to be. At Xbox, we proceed to work on creating protected areas in gaming the place all LGBTQIA+ persons 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 really intersectional by celebrating the huge array of individuals and identities that make up the colourful Xbox LGBTQIA+ world gaming communities. It’s extra necessary than ever to acknowledge that techniques of inequity based mostly on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identification, 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 big selection of content material and creators, in order that video games can higher characterize gamers from all communities and identities. We additionally help organizations which are driving change for points that impression LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly these combating 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 Delight-themed merchandise and designs which may hopefully encourage conversations and rally neighborhood actions.
We are going to assist drive these conversations and amplify numerous LGBTQIA+ voices at Xbox as we proceed to embrace and uplift the ability of voice and identification. Listed below are just a few ways in which Staff Xbox will likely be supporting LGBTQIA+ communities and celebrating Delight this yr:
Give
Microsoft is donating a complete of $170,000 to LGBTQIA+ nonprofits
Microsoft is continuous our long-standing help of LGBTQIA+ organizations. Along with our workers, Microsoft has donated over $8M to organizations that help LGBTQIA+ communities within the final yr alone. To acknowledge the launch of our 2022 Delight marketing campaign and merchandise, we’re contributing an extra $170,000 to OutRight Motion Worldwide, African Rainbow Household, Nationwide Heart for Transgender Equality, Mermaids, Lavender Rights Undertaking and Fulcrum UA to assist in the struggle 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 will likely 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 folks and their households. (US and UK)
- OutRight Motion Worldwide: OutRight Motion Worldwide fights for the human rights of LGBTIQ folks in every single place. OutRight works on the worldwide, regional, and nationwide ranges to analysis, doc, defend, and advance human rights for LGBTIQ folks all over the world. (US)
- Nationwide Heart for Transgender Equality – The Nationwide Heart for Transgender Equality (NCTE) advocates to alter insurance policies and society to extend understanding and acceptance of transgender and non-binary folks. Within the nation’s capital and all through the nation, NCTE works to exchange disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, alternative, and justice. (US)
Xbox avid gamers can earn Microsoft Rewards factors in numerous methods, comparable 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 a part of us right this moment and donate by Xbox.
Get the Gear
Xbox Design Lab Options New Controller Impressed by Delight Accessible June 9
Final yr, Xbox shared a imaginative and prescient for a Delight controller. We produced a restricted batch of Delight 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 out there. We heard you, and we’re increasing availability by making this yr’s Delight controller customizable by Xbox Design Lab, particularly underscoring the distinctiveness of the LGBTQIA+ expertise.
This yr’s Delight high case design brings collectively 34 neighborhood flags in a fantastic, interwoven method to have a good time the nuance, complexity, intersectionality, and energy of the numerous LGBTQIA+ communities. You may customise all different components of the controller with a broad coloration palette, metallic finishes, rubberized grips, and even add engraving to make your Delight controller distinctive to you.
However this isn’t only a controller. It’s an emblem 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+ avid gamers, builders, content material creators and Microsoft workers inside an immersive storytelling expertise. We hope that by interacting with this expertise, folks 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 will all do to make gaming a matter of Delight.
Create your distinctive Delight controller beginning June 9, out there in every single place Xbox Design Lab is out there. Share your designs with us utilizing #Delight and #XboxPride. Uncover and be taught extra right here.
Get Your Xbox Delight Gear!
The Xbox Gear Store celebrates Delight Month with a brand new 2022 Delight 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 full of much more Xbox Recreation Studios designs and eco-friendly choices. Store Delight 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, will likely be out there free of charge 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 Heart and Trans Lifeline, two non-profit organizations providing assets and help to trans, non-binary, and genderqueer folks.
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 Delight with New “Unity” Emblem and Nameplate!
343 Industries celebrates Delight 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 Delight
Coming quickly in June, an unique Forza rainbow livery adorning the 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster will likely 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 Heart.
Microsoft Informal Video games Is Exhibiting Our Delight
Have fun Delight 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 a 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 will likely be stay beginning June 13). Have to be 18+ and reside in an Xbox Gear Store supported transport area. Guidelines may 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 Move members can simply entry a few of the most inspiring video games making LGBTQIA+ historical past than ever earlier than and play with satisfaction at any time! Content material experiences have elevated to over 27 extra areas right this moment as we proceed our missions to increase Delight past borders and construct empathy and belonging by gaming content material.
Try just a few 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 Move) – Created by Tiani Pixel and Fernanda Dias, who’re each trans and Brazilian, this LGBTQIA+ impressed, fashionable hack and slasher options lesbian robots in a postapocalyptic world filled with decisions.
No Longer House – Primarily based on Cel Davison and Hana Lee’s life, this recreation is about two non-binary folks, Ao and Bo, who should go away London as a result of Ao is obliged to return to Japan. This recreation is about letting go of the life you’ve constructed as a result of 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, consists of non-binary character creation choices, and contributing author, Sam Maggs, identifies as bisexual.
Lifeless by Daylight (Rated M and Accessible with Xbox Recreation Move) – The most recent 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 Function Tales about LGBTQIA+ Illustration in Gaming
All through Delight Month, we will likely be spotlighting tales about illustration in gaming from LGBTQIA+ Xbox Ambassadors inside the communities. These are their tales.
Bethesda Roundtable with Arkane Austin and Homosexual Gaming Professionals (GGP) Students
The group at Arkane Austin not too long ago sat down with college students inside LGBTQIA+ communities for a dialog on mentorship inside the gaming trade. The scholars are aspiring recreation builders, and students chosen by Homosexual Gaming Professionals in partnership with the ESA. You may learn extra from their Q&A on Bethesda.web.
New Delight Gamerpics, Profile Theme, and Avatar Gadgets
In partnership with LGBTQIA+ communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a brand new gamerpic, profile themes, and avatar objects! The gamerpic and profile theme will likely be out there on console and the Xbox PC app. Get your avatar objects right here. Content material is topic to availability by nation.
Tune In
Xbox Performs Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Communities
In celebration of Delight Month, Xbox Performs will likely be dedicating our livestreaming content material in June to LGBTQIA+ communities, that includes streamers/content material creators, builders and nonprofits! Observe us on our Xbox Twitch Channel and don’t miss any of the motion!
Xbox Podcast Talks Delight, Self-Expression, and Fairness for LGBTQIA+ Gamers
Xbox’s Main Nelson will likely be joined by Kate Rayner, Vice President, Technical Director at The Coalition and Member of Staff Xbox LGBTQIA+ on the Official Xbox Podcast for a particular Delight month episode discussing the importance of intersectionality, the ability of gaming and identification, and celebrating the range of LGBTQIA+ communities. Additionally, Elliott Hsu, Principal Designer of Units at Microsoft, will be a part of to speak concerning the design story behind this yr’s Delight 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. Take heed to the podcast.
Xbox UKI + DIGIPRIDE Occasions
The UK’s main LGBTQIA+ online game occasion, DIGIPRIDE, is again this summer season celebrating all issues Delight from June by August on gaymingmag.com. As a presenting associate, Xbox UKI will likely 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 Delight, please go to our Unlocked Delight gaming expertise, centering on voices of LGBTQIA+ gamers and allies by the lens of our new Xbox Design Lab Delight controller. You can too be a part of us by exploring the Microsoft marketing campaign at unlocked.microsoft.com.
