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Microsoft outlines Xbox plans for Black History Month celebration

By Giovanni Colantonio Published February 3, 2021

Microsoft is celebrating Black History Month this year with multiple showcases of Black creators. The month-long celebration features donation incentives, educational programs, and more.

Microsoft is spotlighting different games and media curated by Black Communities at Microsoft, which focus on Black characters and experiences. A games collection on the Microsoft Store features games like The Sims 4 and Apex Legends, as well as standout indies like Afterparty and Dandara.

The Microsoft Store also features a collection of movies and TV, including Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Black Panther. Microsoft says that users will be able to specifically search its store for picks from its Black community members starting March 1.

All State of Decay 2 players are getting a free in-game T-shirt designed by artist Ty Ferrell inspired by the NAACP’s “We Are Done Dying” campaign. A physical version of the shirt will be available on the Xbox Gear Shop between Monday, February 8 and Monday, March 1. Halo: The Master Chief Collection players will get a free Black History Month nameplate for logging in during February. Microsoft will offer four lessons to Minecraft: Education Edition, which center around topics like the American Civil Rights and Black Lives Matter movements.

Players can donate their Microsoft Rewards points to several charities and organizations, including Black Girls Code and the NAACP, through the month, with Microsoft matching donations.

The Xbox Twitch channel will broadcast content themed around Black History Month throughout February, including spotlights on Black streamers and developers. Microsoft will also collect and highlight a selection of stories from Black and African ambassadors on its blog.

Finally, the Xbox Community Game Club highlights games by Black and African creators this month, as well as ones that feature Black and African voice actors. Microsoft encourages players to use the group to discuss the games and the importance of representation in gaming.

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Giovanni Colantonio

Section Editor, Gaming

Giovanni is a writer and video producer focusing on happenings in the video game industry. He has contributed stories to…

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