Team Xbox is proud to recognize the contributions and importance of the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community. As a second-generation Asian American, I’m excited not only to pay tribute to our culture, customs, and traditions, but also to celebrate the creators and players who share our passion for greater Asian representation and inclusion in games. Asians and Pacific Islanders are a very diverse group of communities representing a variety of histories and heritages. We celebrate this month by amplifying the many voices, stories and expressions of life of Asian and Pacific Islanders that have influenced today’s culture, society and gaming.
At Xbox, we are committed to creating a safe place where everyone in the world can experience the joy of gaming while championing the unique and diverse content created by innovative creators from Asian and Pacific Islander communities who illuminate the positive role of play in their lives and the power of respectful representation in play. This includes broadening the perspective that gaming careers and opportunities are welcome for all people and that our industry will benefit so much from seeing more developers in gaming representing players around the world.
Why is elevated API representation important? Almost half of the 3B+ players on the planet are in Asia (source). When it comes to gaming, the Asian and Pacific Islander community is influential and plays an influential role as players, developers and viewers. Asian American households own more video game-related products than the entire US population (Source). We strive to celebrate a global community and the many dimensions of the people within it. We strive to see more Asian and Pacific Islanders in games that tell our authentic stories and represent our vast cultures.
We invite you to join us in this celebration of the culture and contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander community. Here are some of the ways Xbox plans to honor this community in May:
Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn points and donate to organizations supporting the Asian and Pacific Islander community with Xbox. The following organizations will be featured on console throughout May:
- Asian Americans Promote Justice | AAJC: promote justice – AAJC works through political advocacy, community education, and litigation to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and just society for all.
- AAPI Equity Alliance: The AAPI Equity Alliance (AAPI Equity) is dedicated to improving the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through civic engagement, capacity building and political advocacy.
- Stop AAPI Hate: Stop AAPI Hate promotes equity, justice and power by dismantling systemic racism and building a multi-ethnic movement to end hatred of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Xbox players can earn Microsoft Rewards points in a variety of ways, such as: B. by playing or purchasing games after downloading the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox. Collect points and exchange them for real rewards. Join us today and donate via Xbox.
Xbox Play’s Livestreams celebrates Asian and Pacific Islanders in-game
In celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, in May Xbox Plays will be dedicating our live streaming content to this community, which showcases Asian and Pacific Islander protagonists in games, developers, content creators/streamers, and non-profit organizations. Follow us on our Xbox Twitch Channel and don’t miss out on any of the action!
Xbox Ambassadors showcase the Asian and Pacific Islander gaming community
In the Xbox Ambassadors community, we’re dedicated to sharing and empowering community voices. So, in celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we asked those who identify as Asian and Pacific Islanders in the Xbox Ambassadors community to share how games of diverse representation have impacted them and share their stories about their membership in one gaming community to share. Here are their stories.
Discover games curated by Asian and Pacific Islanders at Microsoft
Microsoft Store visitors on Xbox or Windows and Xbox Game Pass members can always access games handpicked by the Asian and Pacific Islander communities at Microsoft, reflecting the rich diversity of East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander cultures.
Visit the Xbox games and Windows games Collections of Creators, Leads, Cultures, Asian American Creators and Leads, and Games with audio, UI, and subtitles translated into Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
- Life is Strange: True Colors (Rated M and available with Xbox Game Pass) – Alex Chen, the first Asian-American protagonist in this award-winning series, uses her psychic power of empathy to try to solve the mystery behind her brother’s death. The story explores the importance of self-care and includes same-sex relationship options.
- sable (Available with Xbox Game Pass) – Guide Sable through her slide; a rite of passage that will take her on an unforgettable journey. Written by Meg Jayanth who is Indian and music composed by Japanese Breakfast directed by Korean-American Michelle Zauner.
- whoa – Inspired by Vietnamese art and culture, Hoa is a beautiful puzzle-platforming game with stunning hand-painted art, beautiful music and a peaceful, chilled atmosphere.
- Apex Legends – Playable characters include Rampart, voiced by British-Indian actress Anjali Bhimani, and Makoa Gibraltar, a symbol of strength for Pacific Islanders and LGBTQIA+ communities.
- elden ring (Rating M) – A fantasy action role-playing adventure set in a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki in collaboration with fantasy writer George RR Martin.
View collections in Canada, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States. Visitors to both the Xbox and Microsoft Stores on Windows can find Asian and Pacific Islander community picks by searching “API Heritage” and related terms. Content is subject to availability in individual countries.
New gamer picProfile design and avatar elements
In partnership with the Asian and Pacific Islander community on Xbox, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile themes, and avatar items! Gamerpic and profile theme will be available on console and Xbox PC app. Get your avatar items here.
343 Industries celebrates APIHM with new nameplate and emblem
The 343 Industries team celebrates APIHM with new content Halo Infinite Lone Wolves: Season Two! All players can register during the month of May Halo infinity will receive an exclusive nameplate and emblem in celebration of APIHM.
Learn more about everything Xbox is doing to engage our communities at the Xbox Community Hub.
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