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The month of June is Pride Month and Xbox is embracing that fact by offering up a new controller for the LGBTQIA+ community. Before getting to the controller, the Xbox team at Microsoft shared some important words that are well worth repeating here.
With more than half of video game players (52% ) agreeing that “my gaming identity is a better reflection of myself than my real-world identity,†video games are an important outlet that gives players – especially those who are LGBTQIA+ – the chance to be who they want to be. At Xbox, we continue to work on creating safe spaces in gaming where all LGBTQIA+ people are welcome and belong, where everyone is invited to play as their authentic self and enjoy a community that welcomes self-expression.
This is also our chance to be truly intersectional by celebrating the vast array of people and identities that make up the vibrant Xbox LGBTQIA+ global gaming communities. It is more important than ever to recognize that systems of inequity based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, class, and other forms of discrimination intersect and ultimately affect us all. The global issues that LGBTQIA+ communities face are interconnected and we must seek to address them together. We are inspired by those who are using their voice and actively collaborating across groups and inequities to drive change for and beyond LGBTQIA+ communities.
Xbox will continue to champion a wide array of content and creators, so that games can better represent players from all communities and identities. We also support organizations that are driving change for issues that impact LGBTQIA+ communities, in particular those fighting for transgender equality. This year Xbox, along with Microsoft, is thrilled to continue these efforts with a $170K donation to multiple LGBQTIA+ organizations, as well as feature an increased number of Pride-themed products and designs which can hopefully inspire conversations and rally community actions.
This is also our chance to be truly intersectional by celebrating the vast array of people and identities that make up the vibrant Xbox LGBTQIA+ global gaming communities. It is more important than ever to recognize that systems of inequity based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, class, and other forms of discrimination intersect and ultimately affect us all. The global issues that LGBTQIA+ communities face are interconnected and we must seek to address them together. We are inspired by those who are using their voice and actively collaborating across groups and inequities to drive change for and beyond LGBTQIA+ communities.
Xbox will continue to champion a wide array of content and creators, so that games can better represent players from all communities and identities. We also support organizations that are driving change for issues that impact LGBTQIA+ communities, in particular those fighting for transgender equality. This year Xbox, along with Microsoft, is thrilled to continue these efforts with a $170K donation to multiple LGBQTIA+ organizations, as well as feature an increased number of Pride-themed products and designs which can hopefully inspire conversations and rally community actions.
As for the new controller, this design will be made available starting June 9. You will be able to create your own Pride controller starting on this date through the Xbox Design Lab.
It seems like the core design containing 34 flags will be the same across all customizations. However, you will still be able to customize other parts of the controller to your liking such as the buttons, sticks, finishes, and even add on an engraving if you desire.
Xbox also notes that there will be a new Pride collection of items at the Xbox Gear Shop. Included in the items are shirts, shorts, bags, stickers, and more.
In addition, some games will have special Pride items available for use in game. These include a Pride emblem and nameplate for Halo Infinite and a special rainbow livery in Forza Horizon 5, Forza Horizon 4, and Forza Motorsport 7.
