Xbox celebrates Pride Month

LGBTQIA+ players will soon be able to get a controller that more closely embodies their identity. Last year, Xbox produced a limited batch of Pride controllers and shared it with LGBTQIA+ players and creators around the world. While the response to the controller was positive, many asked Xbox to make it universally available.

Today, via Xbox Wire, Xbox announced a new, customizable Xbox Pride Controller, which brings together 34 community flags in a fine, interwoven manner to celebrate the intersectionality and strength of the many LGBTQIA+ communities. It will be available for purchase via the Xbox Design Lab starting June 9 and will be available year-round.

But the new Pride Controller isn’t the only way Xbox is celebrating the LGBQTIA+ communities during Pride Month. With more than half of 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 give players – especially those who are LGBTQIA+ – the option to be who they want to be. 

 Other announcements include:

• How Xbox + Microsoft is giving back to the LGBTQIA+ community. In the last year alone, Microsoft has donated over $8M to organizations that support LGBTQIA+ communities.  Today, Microsoft and Xbox announced an additional $170,000 donation to multiple LGBQTIA+ organizations, as well as the option for players to donate MS Rewards points to Mermaids, OutRight Action International, and National Center for Transgender Equality  
• Tell Me Why will be free to download and play for the entire month of June. DONTNOD, the studio behind Tell Me Why will also be donating to Transgender Law Center and Trans Lifeline, two non-profit organizations offering resources and support to trans, non-binary and genderqueer people, as well as hosting livestreams. 
• Livestream takeovers on the Xbox Twitch Channel, featuring LGBQTIA+ streamers like Nikatine, Dragtrashly,Lanieloveee, Itsmeholly, and IamBrandon. 
• In-game content including a brand-new emblem and nameplate in Halo Infinite as well as rainbow liveries within the Forza franchise 
• Pride gear from the Xbox Gear Shop and more!