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UPDATE: Phil Spencer issued a longer statement just moments ago via Xbox.com.
Today, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer sent an email to the Xbox organization to address unfortunate events at this week’s Game Developers Conference 2016. These events did not reflect the core values and beliefs of Xbox, where we believe in respect – for the gamer, the medium, the industry and for Microsoft – as something that impacts every single person who loves games as much as we do. The full email has been reprinted below:
How we show up as an organization is incredibly important to me. We want to build and reflect the culture of TEAM XBOX – internally and externally – a culture that each one of us can represent with pride. An inclusive culture has a direct impact on the products and services we deliver and the perception consumers have of the Xbox brand and our company, as a whole.

It has come to my attention that at Xbox-hosted events at GDC this past week, we represented Xbox and Microsoft in a way that was absolutely not consistent or aligned to our values. That was unequivocally wrong and will not be tolerated. This matter is being handled internally, but let me be very clear – how we represent ourselves as individuals, who we hire and partner with and how we engage with others is a direct reflection of our brand and what we stand for. When we do the opposite, and create an environment that alienates or offends any group, we justly deserve the criticism.

It’s unfortunate that such events could take place in a week where we worked so hard to engage the many different gaming communities in the exact opposite way. I am personally committed to ensuring that diversity and inclusion is central to our everyday business and our core values as a team – inside and outside the company. We need to hold ourselves to higher standards and we will do better in the future.

Original: Microsoft came under fire today after it was revealed that they hosted a GDC party where they hired "erotic schoolgirl" dancers to perform. The above image (and others) began to circulate around social media sites showing off the scantily clad females.

The performers were all dancing up on platforms for the party goers to gawk at. The decision to hire the women came not from the location of the party but from Microsoft itself. Some attendees found the choice to be distasteful, sexist, and a huge slap across the face in light of what has been going on within the gaming industry these past few years and society as a whole for even longer.

Some remarked that "this is the first fucking time I've felt this unwelcome at a games event." Another said, "thanks for pushing me out of this party, Microsoft." Even Microsoft employees were disgusted with the decision, including the head of Xbox Games Marketing, Aaron Greenberg, whom remarked that he was "very disappointed to see this."

This party was held right after Microsoft hosted a "Women in Gaming" luncheon.

Microsoft's Phil Spencer issued an apology and a brief statement a short time ago about this matter.
At Xbox-hosted events at GDC this past week, we represented Xbox and Microsoft in a way that was not consistent or aligned to our values. It was unequivocally wrong and will not be tolerated. I know we disappointed many people and I’m personally committed to holding ourselves to higher standards. We must ensure that diversity and inclusion are central to our everyday business and core values. We will do better in the future.

How or why this was ever even given the go-ahead in the first place is incredibly mind boggling.

(via CraveOnline, The Verge)