Microsoft Celebrates Indigenous Creators, Culture, and Artistry through Games, Movies, and TV
Summary
- Microsoft offers games curated by indigenous communities
- Enjoy Movies and TV curated by Indigenous Communities on Microsoft
Xbox celebrated International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples this August with touching personal stories about the impact of representation from Indigenous players, elevated representation in games like Minecraft and Age of Empires, showcased beautiful custom Xbox controllers designed by Indigenous artisans of Mexico, and highlighted support of the Gerald A. Lawson Fund for Black and Indigenous Students at the #1 game design program in North America.
While the United States celebrates Native American Heritage Month in November, we have partnered with Microsoft’s Indigenous community to highlight games, movies, and TV inspired by Indigenous creators, culture, and protagonists around the world on Xbox and Windows. As part of our continuing work to make gaming more inclusive, we are highlighting content that resonates with communities and increasing awareness about their unique views and art.
View the collections on the Microsoft Store on Xbox and the Microsoft Store on Windows in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Visitors can find Indigenous community picks at any time by searching within the Stores for “Indigenous” and related terms. All content is subject to change depending on the country.
Microsoft offers games curated by indigenous communities
These are just a few of the highlights from both Xbox games and Windows gaming collections that include Indigenous creators, playable character and titles inspired Indigenous culture.
Never Be Alone — Alaska Native storytellers helped to develop this game around traditional Iñupiat lore. Never Be Alone features an Iñupiaq girl named Nuna and her Arctic fox companion. Players experience the narrative through a series of atmospheric puzzles, symbolizing the intergenerational transference of wisdom through collecting “cultural insights” across the harsh arctic environment. Find out more information about how the game was made.
Button City — This cute game was created by Shandiin Yazzie Woodward, an artist who identifies as Diné. Button CityIt focuses on friendship’s true power and the importance of building community. Subliminal games is Indigenous-owned and dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices in gaming.
Tunche — Tunche takes its name from a spirit of the forest in Peruvian legend and an Indigenous expression meaning “fear.” Team up with your friends or play solo in this charming hand-drawn action game with roguelike elements. Pick from five different characters to restore peace in Amazon rainforest.
Raji: An Ancient Epic — Play as Raji, a young girl in search of her brother, during a war between gods and demons. The unique, ancient Indian game was inspired by Balinese and Hindu mythology.
Windbound — Unlock the secrets of the Forbidden Islands while finding your way home to your tribe after a shipwreck as a warrior named Kara in a Polynesian-inspired setting.
Carto — Carto, inspired by various tribal cultures and based on long-standing Indigenous mapping methods, must map the entire world in her quest for Granny.
Mulaka — Set in Mexico’s breathtaking landscapes, MulakaThe game is built on the Tarahumara’s rich Indigenous culture. The player embarks on a journey as a Sukurúame (a Tarahumara shaman), solving puzzles in environments inspired by real locations and participating in combat against creatures from Tarahumara mythology.
Lovers in Dangerous SpacetimYou can also visit e— Jamie Tucker (Indigenous game designer) co-created the fun one-to-four player couch coop adventure. The spaceship is controlled by players and allows them to explore different levels.
Aritana And the Harpy’s Featherand Aritana the Twin Masks — Duaik, a Brazilian developer, created these games to bring alive the mythology of Indigenous Brazilian culture, folklore, and forests through underground caves and beautiful mountains.
Please Tell Me Why — Set in rural Alaska, this game features Indigenous characters. In order to accurately represent Tlingit culture and tribes, the team of developers worked closely together with Huna Heritage Foundation and local tribes. It features prominent LGBTQIA+ representation and strong LGBTQIA+ themes.
Enjoy Movies and TV curated by Indigenous Communities on Microsoft
The following are the top picks in our Movies and Television collection, which includes Indigenous leads, creators, topics of education, history and culture as well as family entertainment:
“Smoke Signals” — This was the first feature length film that was written by, directed by, produced by, and that starred Native American leads. The story follows two friends, Victor and Thomas, from the Coeur D’Alene Reservation as they travel to Phoenix, Arizona to collect ashes of Victor’s father. This documentary explores the complicated relationships between family members and identities.
“Legend of Korra” — It’s not often that we see a strong, complex, and bisexual Indigenous woman at the helm of a major animated TV series. Korra, an avatar and master of four elements is from the Southern Water Tribe based on Indigenous Arctic culture. It touches upon deep topics of spirituality as well mental health, such as post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Korra, a character that can be played is the newly-released Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl
“Moana” — The film is family-friendly and stars a Native Hawaiian actress as the lead, with a Samoan supporting actor. This film finds inspiration from Polynesian mythology. The film features strong women as well as a powerful soundtrack, which includes Tuvaluan, Samoan, and Tokelauan songs lyrics.
“Cleverman” — Ryan Griffen was inspired to design an Australian Aboriginal superhero. He succeeded! Dreamtime mythology is the inspiration for this supernatural thriller.
“Young Ghouls: Rhymes” — Written and directed by Jeff Barnaby, who identifies as Mi’kmaq, this movie touches on the history of abuse of First Nations children within the Canadian residential school system from the perspective of a teenage girl.
“Whale Rider” — A memorable depiction of Māori culture and history, Whale Rider follows the struggles of a young girl named Paikea to fulfil her destiny in the shadow of her late twin brother. Pai’s name is a tribute to an ancient ancestor that rode on top a whale.
Our team is hard at work, and we are committed to making underrepresented communities more comfortable and increasing the diversity of creators within our ecosystems. We will keep you updated as we build momentum in the months ahead!
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