This Pride Month, Microsoft’s Xbox Team are setting out to invite everyone to join them “in [their] call for justice and equity”, and that by “working together, we can make an impact and bring about change for all”. Acknowledging that gaming is a big part of the lives for many LGBTQIA+ players, the team used the start of this month to reaffirm their commitment to “creating a safe and inclusive space for all members of LGBTQIA+ communities to experience the joy of gaming”
From merchandising, to free games, to content updates – the Xbox Team has confirmed several initiatives rolling out on the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC gaming platforms during Pride Month. A list of some key content-oriented announcements are listed below:
Merchandise – Pride Gear
The Xbox Gear Shop has today been updated with new Pride Collections, from brands including Xbox, Halo and more. The merch on offer covers limited edition t-shirts, bags and more. More importantly, this year’s collection was created by and with LGBTQIA+ communities. A full list of offerings can be found HERE.
Pride Controller
Team Xbox has designed the Pride 2021 Xbox Wireless Controller with and for LGBTQIA+ people to give visibility to communities that have often been overlooked and neglected. It combines the flags of various LGBTQIA+ communities in an interwoven energetic way, creating a sense of unity, and evoking both technology and the modern age.
At the moment it is unclear on when it will be available to purchase, as it appears to have only been circulated to influencers and key media as of writing. For those with a Microsoft Surface, there are special skins that you can buy right now.
DontNod Entertainment’s Tell Me Why Available for Free
During Pride Month, gamers on Xbox Consoles and the PC will be able to download DontNod Entertainment and Xbox Publishing’s narrative adventure Tell Me Why for free.
Game Updates
Forza Franchise
Forza is getting festive! The 2021 Forza Rainbow livery, adorning the 2017 Ford Focus RS, is available for free to all players in both Forza Horizon 4 and Forza Motorsport 7. Players will automatically receive the livery through the in-game message center the next time they log in after June 1.
(Ford disclaimer: 2017 Focus RS no longer in real world production.)
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
In Halo: The Master Chief Collection, our players can customize their profile with special nameplates commemorating in-game activities or celebrating special events. Any players who log in during the month of June will automatically gain access to this unique “Unity” nameplate!
True Colours Xbox Profile Theme
Xbox has released new Xbox profile customization content. The new “True Colors” profile theme and gamerpics will be available to fans on PC and console.
These are just some of the initiatives being rolled out by Microsoft’s Xbox Team over the month. For the most recent announcements, including financial contributions to LGBTQIA+ Nonprofits, check out the Xbox website.
