Xbox in Partnership with GLAAD promises more LGBTQIA+ stories and representation. The company has made a series of significant declarations, particularly concerning upcoming releases from Xbox Game Studios Publishing, its distribution division.
Xbox is committed to delivering a greater array of LGBTQIA+ narratives and representation in games produced by partner studios. Additionally, the company has formed a partnership with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), a nonprofit organization that will provide support to developers within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Xbox emphasized the significance of representing the LGBTQIA+ community and expressed its dedication to contributing to this cause through its games. Recognizing the persistence of discrimination and unwelcoming environments faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, the company acknowledged the necessity for more diverse narratives and stories.
Xbox sighted a study by Dentsu, where it was found that a significant percentage of Gen Z and millennial gamers, specifically 65% and 60% respectively, feel more at ease expressing themselves in the gaming world rather than in real-life situations. This highlights the power of games not only in portraying diverse and inclusive narratives but also in providing a safe and encouraging environment for players to explore and embrace their identities.
The team at XGS Publishing, consisting of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies, has partnered with GLAAD with the primary objective of supporting partner studios in the creation of games that will foster visibility, understanding, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community in the years ahead. Through collaborative efforts and the utilization of GLAAD’s expertise, the team will enhance existing resources and conduct workshops and consultations to ensure that future games authentically and genuinely represent the LGBTQIA+ community, while evoking sincere emotions and aspirations.
With the assistance of GLAAD, Xbox’s partner studios will collaborate in creating titles that provide “visibility, understanding, and support” to individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. This collaboration is not the first between Xbox and GLAAD, as one of their initial projects involved the distribution of “Tell Me Why,” a title developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios Publishing.
Xbox has recently released new lineups for upcoming games, now that the company is trying to be more inclusive for all, you can expect a diverse lineup of games coming to your console soon. Xbox joins Match Group which come up with the latest gay dating app Archer to celebrate pride month.
It will be interesting to see the LGBTQIA+ people in the gaming industry receive much-deserved representation with new Xbox releases.
Source: Xbox Blog
