The announcement comes as part of a big Xbox Wire post from Microsoft’s Dametra Johnson-Marletti about Xbox’s partnership with Gameheads and Gameheads’ goal of preparing student devs “for a meaningful career in the games industry.”
The post details a showcase of games which “center around Black history, Black experiences, and Black talent” along with game collections which highlight “Black creators, lead characters, and character creation options that include a variety of skin tones and inclusive hairstyles.” Xbox has also made a donation to Gameheads to help with their work, as well as giving Microsoft Rewards members in the US the option to donate points to Gameheads and nonprofit organization Cxmmunity.
Some of the titles featured in these collections include Redfall’s playable hero Layla, and ValiDate: Struggling Singles in Your Area and the developer’s goal of “making games that place people of color and LGBTQIA+ characters front and center.” Also listed is 343 Industries’ Halo Infinite, “led by studio head Pierre Hintze – the first Black studio head in Halo franchise history.”
Halo Infinite pops up again as 343 Industries has just announced a new set of customizations for Halo Infinite as part of its celebrations of Black History Month. The new customizations will be available to all Halo Infinite players who start the game up during February, and includes an armor coating, visor, and a nameplate. Forza Horizon 5, meanwhile, is offering the key piece of art designed by Dominique Ramsey (who took the Xbox logo and redesigned it to be themed around Black History Month) as an in-game decal.
You’ll also be able to find community artwork — including Ramsey’s piece — as dynamic backgrounds on your console. “Join Team Xbox as we elevate Black voices and games in celebration of Black History Month,” the post concludes.
