In Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Minecraft Education and Hispanic Heritage Foundation Join Forces in LatinExplorers 2
I am the child of Dominican- and Puerto Rican-born immigrants. I was raised in Inwood, New York, a neighborhood which is now affectionately known as “Little Dominican Republic”. My Latina heritage was a big part of my life growing up. From my father’s Puerto Rican side, I learned to dance through the streets of Dyckman blasting reggaetón and developed a Healthy appreciation for mofongo (although my Dominican side could never let go of mangú). From my mother’s Dominican side, I learned the meaning of pa’lanteKeep moving forward and celebrate your community with bachatas or block parties.
Coming from a low-income home, I didn’t grow up with the newest consoles. However, I loved gaming and spent hours playing Pokémon Sapphire on my Game Boy Advance and Flash games on our family computer. Also, I developed an interest in tabletop roleplaying games. And still today, I enjoy organizing games for friends. In high school, I got into competitive gaming and in college, I founded my college’s first video game club and collegiate league. In my current role as Business Manager at Xbox Game Studios Publishing, it is a joy to connect my passions and make games my cousins, who live in Ponce Puerto Rico, will enjoy.
It wasn’t until more recently that I understood my heritage as an Afro-Latina, a person with both African and Latino ancestry. The media portrays Latinos in a monolithic way, with salsa dancing and sugar-skull decorations. Latinos can have vastly differing experiences, even in the same community and country, based on their skin color. It took me a while to discover and understand my African roots because they were suppressed in my own community. In my quest to understand what it is to be Afro-Latina within the American context, I am inspired by the curly hair in character creation screens. It’s great that video games let me be unapologetically myself. The following are some of the most effective ways to increase your effectiveness. It is not a matter of adding or modifying my identity.
Team Xbox has a number of ways to support Hispanics and Latinos and recognize Hispanic Heritage in the coming year.
Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards members can donate and earn points for organizations that support Hispanic Communities in the United States. These organizations will appear on the consoles in September and October.
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation – Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s mission focuses on education, workforce, identity, and social impact through the lenses of leadership and culture.
- The CARE – CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice in 100 countries including Latin America and the Caribbean.
Xbox players can earn Rewards in many ways. They can play games and complete Game Pass Quests. Completing offers on the Microsoft Rewards App for Xbox and selecting purchases from the Microsoft Store are also options. Redeem points for actual rewards. Donate through Xbox and join us.
Minecraft Education: Enhance representation and engage in learning
We’re excited to announce that students will have another opportunity to see themselves and their cultures represented in LatinExplorers 2.It’s a brand new world by Minecraft Education. This world is now available in the Minecraft Education lessons library. It will be launched for Minecraft Bedrock Edition next week for players at no cost in Minecraft Marketplace. (Minecraft Bedrock Edition (sold separately) is required.
Take a look at the inspiring stories of these three women. They have all taken on the responsibility of changing the world. This new immersive world was created by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, players will explore the journeys of three new powerful Hispanic mentors – Gloria Estefan, the Cuban-American singer who never gave up, Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go to space, and Monica Ramirez, a powerful social activist and attorney who works tirelessly in women’s rights. The mentors will encourage the players to adopt similar traits of perseverance, kindness and creativity as they move forward. They’ll also showcase stories from women who are transforming their lives by overcoming adversity.
This is the continuation of last year’s LatinExplorersWith the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, we have also developed a game in collaboration. In both games, we’ve turned six Latino leaders who inspire us into Minecraft figures to help empower, guide and equip the young to become changers.
“Minecraft is one of the games that we encourage our kids to play because they can explore, learn, and collaborate with other friends. We saw the opportunity to showcase real-world Hispanic heroes utilizing one of the world’s most popular games—and one in which my children love to play—to reach a new generation of leaders.” – Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation
Microsoft invites you to play games created by Hispanic and Latino communities
It’s powerful to see and celebrate the contributions, achievements, and experiences that the Hispanic and Latino communities bring to gaming. We are highlighting the voices that bring a rich and vibrant history to life through authentic storytelling and inspired creativity.
During September and beyond, we are featuring a variety of game collections spanning Hispanic and Latino creators, playable characters, and titles influenced by Hispanic and Latino cultures. Microsoft Stores are available on Xbox One and Windows. Check out The Hispanic and Latino games collection that exists year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can check out this. Xbox Game Pass Hispanic collection and the PC Game Pass Hispanic community collection.
Featured titles within the collections include:
Just Cause 4: Reloaded (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud, Rated M) – Protagonist Rico Rodriguez is the heart of this action-packed series. With endless tasks in an open world of chaos, Rico’s Afro-Latino heritage is heavily depicted throughout the story of the franchise.
Valorant (Available with PC Game Pass) – Riot Game’s fast-growing 5v5 character-based tactical shooter features a diverse character lineup. Playable agents include Reyna – a duelist from Mexico, and Gekko – a Mexican-American initiator from East Los Angeles. The personal backgrounds of these characters were crafted with care, including research interviews and collaborating with the characters’ Latin American voice actors.
Aztech Forgotten Gods (Available on Console) – From Mexico-based Lienzo, creators of Mulaka, comes a new game rich in lore. Play as Achtli, a young Mesoamerican woman in a far alternative future where the Aztecs were never colonized, as she battles colossal Gods based on the wealth of Aztec mythology.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI (Available on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game in which you attempt to build an empire to stand the test of time. Based in historical roots, this game includes Brazilian, Aztec, Mayan and Incan civilizations as playable factions, each of which represents a historical nation, empire or cultural group.
Artist Catalina Estrada Shares Her Inspiration for the Xbox Logo Redesign
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Xbox commissioned artist Catalina Estrada to design the artwork for this year’s campaign. Catalina is a Colombian illustrator and pattern designer living in Barcelona. She expressed her cultural heritage through the diversity of the rainforest which houses a myriad of cultures, species, and ecosystems to create a unified whole. The vibrant flora in the illustration represents not only the lush beauty of nature, but also the colorful traditions, art, and contributions of her community. Each swirl of color is an homage to the folklore, traditions, and stories that have shaped her Colombian and broader Hispanic identity. She is also inspired by cultural values of kinship and resilience. “Hispanic Heritage, to me, is a vibrant and ever-evolving celebration of diversity, unity,You can also read about the enduring beauty of our culture. It’s a time to pay homage to our ancestors, embrace our traditions, and create art that reflects the richness of our heritage,” Catalina reflects.
Click here to see more Catalina’s work on her website.
Hispanics and Latinos in Gaming: Xbox Ambassadors feature stories
This Hispanic Heritage Month, the Xbox Ambassadors Program would like to highlight several Xbox Ambassadors. The Spotlighted ambassadors discussed what gaming meant to them and how it connected with their heritage. They also shared which franchises and games they most enjoyed. See a portion of our spotlight. Elder Elgin Click here to visit the Xbox Ambassadors blog See more Ambassadors.
Spotlight on Elder Elgin, Xbox Ambassador
What do you think gaming means to YOU?
From the early days of playing simple 2D platformers to immersing myself in vast open-world adventures, gaming has been a canvas upon which I’ve painted countless stories. It’s a realm where I’ve triumphed over challenges that seemed insurmountable and faced defeats that taught me resilience. Each game is a unique universe, a chance to step into someone else’s shoes or to become the hero of my own epic saga.
What is the connection between gaming and your culture?
The gaming industry has evolved into a medium for communication and inclusion. Hispanics have made their mark as game developers, with games reflecting vibrant cultures and stories. By supporting and engaging with these creators, I’ve not only celebrated their accomplishments but also contributed to the growth of Hispanic presence in the global gaming scene. Gaming has also allowed me to make connections with other Hispanics, who are passionate about the virtual worlds which I enjoy exploring. Whether it’s through online communities, local gaming events, or simply bonding over shared gaming experiences, I’ve formed connections that transcend borders and languages, united by our common love for games. In essence, while gaming might not be an intrinsic part of traditional Hispanic heritage, it has become a channel through which I’ve embraced my identity as a Hispanic. This has enabled me to interact with different narratives, to meet like-minded people, and to contribute to gaming’s global evolution. I’ve found a way to weave my love for games into the vibrant tapestry of my heritage.
Hispanic Heritage Month: New avatars, gamerpics and profile themes
In partnership with Hispanic and Latino communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile theme, avatar items, and wallpaper! Order your avatar itemsHere is a list of some useful links.Your wallpaper is here. The content is dependent on the availability of each country.
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