With more than half of players (52%) who coincide in what “My identity in video games is a better reflection of myself than my own identity in the real world”video games are a medium capable of offering gamers (especially those who are LGBTQIA+) the possibility of being who they want to be.
Soon, LGBTQIA+ gamers will be able to get a controller that better reflects their identity. Last year, Xbox produced a limited batch of Pride controllers that it shared with LGBTQIA+ gamers and creators around the world. Although reception for the controller has been positive, many have called on Xbox to make it available to everyone.
Well, Xbox listened to the community. today through Xbox threadXbox announced a new customizable Xbox Pride controller, which brings together all 34 community flags in a fine, interlocking way to celebrate the intersectionality and strength of all LGBTQIA+ communities. It can be purchased through the Xbox Design Lab from June 9 and will be available throughout the year.
More news to celebrate Pride Month with Xbox
The new Pride controller isn’t the only way Xbox is celebrating LGBQTIA+ diversity during Pride Month. There are also other announcements like:
- How Xbox + Microsoft supports the LGBTQIA+ community. In the past year alone, Microsoft has donated over $8 million to organizations that support LGBTQIA+ communities. Today, Microsoft and Xbox announced an additional $170,000 donation to various LGBQTIA+ organizations, along with the ability for gamers to donate MS Rewards points to Sirens, OutRight Action International there National Center for Transgender Equality.
- Tell me why will be free to download and play throughout June. DONTNOD, the studio behind Tell me whywill also donate to Transgender Law Center Already trans lifelinetwo nonprofit organizations that provide resources and support for trans, non-binary, and genderqueer people, as well as hosting live streams.
- Live broadcasts on the Xbox Twitch Channelwith LGBQTIA+ streamers like Nikatin, dragtrashly, lanieloveee, it’s good there I am Brandon.
- Game content which includes a new emblem and nameplate on Infinite Haloas well as rainbow patterns (liveries) in the franchise Forza.
- Pride products in the Xbox Gear Shop much more.
To learn more about how Xbox is celebrating Pride Month, click here. You can also learn more about how Microsoft will celebrate it at this link.
I’ve traveled to worlds you’d never believe, ended up with enemies that elude all mysticism. I felt my pulse quicken with each battle, and the sigh of someone who knows they will have to get back up. There’s always a villain waiting and an adventure around the corner.
