Xbox Celebrates Women in Gaming this International Women’s Day

One of my fondest memories is watching my father as Master Chief. Halo, Combat Evolved. To see the aliens and super soldiers in action, my brother and I used to hide behind couches. My mother worried that it might have been too overwhelming for us young eyes. However, it made an impression.  My customized Spartan was pink with a rainbow banner and I went into battle alongside my older brother. 

Despite gaming being a passion of mine, it was difficult to make friends with other gamers at my all-girls school. Aside from an occasional party game session, gaming just didn’t seem like a way I could connect with my friends. As a girl, I didn’t identify with the perceived competitive, macho culture that was associated with gamers at the time. Few of the games that were targeted at girls featured pets, dolls from top brands or other toys. I liked those games as well, but I also desired to play RPGs and first-person shooters. My brother was able, however, to go along to Halo LAN Parties and enjoy the company of his friends. He also got Xbox Live, and played online with his friends. I was envious that I couldn’t share that same experience with my friends.

I’m grateful, though, that the industry has changed to be more inviting and inclusive of all people. I’ve worked with Microsoft for five years and landed this amazing role with Xbox working as a Senior Product Manager with the Xbox Store. I’m proud to be part of an organization that continues to evolve to increase diverse representation in its game collection and among game creators. As part of Microsoft TEALS, I find satisfaction in teaching high school students computer science. This program pairs industry professionals with teachers in order to provide curriculum in a sustainable manner. To me, it means so much that women are more represented in these classes. I also serve as role models to students interested in STEAM careers (Science, Technology and Engineering in Arts and Math).    

Halo This was my first experience with a game that allowed me to personalize my character in a way I liked. Even though I’m still playing a game, it doesn’t matter what the title is. Disney Dreamlight Valley, FOdertnite, or Animal Crossing I enjoy customizing my character’s appearance, gear, and skins. That representation makes it easy for me to feel a connection with my character.

These are just a few of the ways Team Xbox celebrates women and women who like gaming.

Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards

Microsoft Rewards Members can donate and earn points for organizations that support women through Xbox. These organizations will appear on the console during March.

• Girls Who CodeGirls Who Code, a non-profit organization that aims to reduce the gender gap in technology by providing girls and other nonbinary students with computing skills so they can pursue the 21st century. Canada, UK and US
• Games & Online Harassment Hotline (via Feminist Frequency)The Games and Online Harassment Hotline provides confidential and free text messaging support. This hotline was specifically created for gamers. Whether you’re a player, a developer, a streamer, a competitor — any part of this community — they are here for you, whether that means offering emotional support or finding the referrals and resources that you need. (US)
• International Women’s GamesWomen in Games International is a resource center that provides resources for advanced knowledge sharing and technology access, as well as mentorship programs. This helps to increase diversity in the gaming industry. (Global)
• National Center for Transgender Equality:NCTE works to improve understanding and acceptance for transgender individuals by changing society policies. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice. (US)

Xbox users can get Microsoft Rewards points by playing and purchasing Xbox games. You can redeem points for real rewards. Register today  Donate through Xbox. 

Tacha, an artist from Tachap shares her vision for womanhood and gaming via her Xbox Logo Design

My current work is about conceptualizing digital and physical experience through immersive visuals. This inspires me a lot from gaming, particularly in the development of characters and the building of worlds. It’s an honor to be part of Women’s History Month celebrations at Xbox and share a design concept inspired by growth, dreams, and stepping out one’s comfort zone without necessarily knowing the outcome.

The idea of womanhood fueled my creativity here, and specifically, choosing to see the beauty that exists everywhere in the world – even places you’ve never been, or within feelings not yet tapped into. It is personal for me because I am aware of the road ahead but not sure where it will lead. Spiritually, it is a strong connection that I have to my future. This fuels my growth. The controller is highlighted in the artwork by golden rays, which signify the positive energy brought to the world through the games community. Abstract shapes and large-than-life objects encourage us to imagine big, and to believe that we have the ability to create our destiny.

Check out more of Tacha’s work at HotSupply.

Xbox Sponsoring First-Ever All Women’s Valorant Team to Compete on a National Stage at the CECC

Xbox has partnered with EportsU Paidia GamingTo provide opportunities for women gamers to compete, more visibility, access to expert in the field of gaming, and to deliver content that celebrates success, inclusion, and positive playing. Three gaming events are included in this activation, along with two content series. These will highlight female gamers at collegiate level as well the up-and coming shoutcasters. This groundbreaking partnership concludes with sending the first ever women’s team and two new female shoutcasters to the national Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) in Texas this May. 

Find out more about how you can follow and support the women on their ‘road to nationals’ journey in the following events and content series:

• National and collegiate competition ValorantQualifying tournament, with college participants from the USA and Canada.
• Finals at the Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC) in Texas, which runs May 5 to May 7, 2023.
• Women’s Matchmaking Season, a separate national competition for women gamers, with top two teams competing at CECC Texas.
• “Road to CECC” will highlight participating teams as they prepare for competition in Texas.
• “Cast This” will focus on discovering and developing budding shoutcasting talent.

Xbox Women’s History Month Affirmation Deck

No matter where they may be in their career, all women who work within Microsoft contribute to the company’s mission, success and culture. We collected affirmations, quotes and stories that we believe will inspire and support the women at Xbox. We made this interactive You can download the Xbox Affirmations deckOr the Xbox Affirmations Deck available for printing. This card can be part of your self care routine. We recommend that you meditate on the words and use them to help set a positive attitude for your day.  

Women’s History Month 2023: Xbox Ambassadors Share Their Stories

We love to highlight and amplify the voices of Xbox Ambassadors players from all walks of the gaming world. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we asked select Xbox Ambassador Community Champions what it means to them to be a woman in gaming.

Here’s a sneak peek from our Q&A with Xbox Ambassadors BlondiebutGeeky and oOGingerAleOo.

Is there a favorite gaming memory you have as a woman?

“I would have to say when a younger female gamer came to me and thanked me for helping them. While we look at each other as all gamers, it is nice to be some kind of a role model for younger women.” – oOGingerAleOo, Xbox Ambassador

What does your vision of the future for women gamers look like?

“I think it looks very promising. It is growing every day. More women will work in the gaming industry as game developers and many other positions. The gaming industry will grow and flourish if women are included in every aspect. As I observe how games have expanded their narrative, it grabs the attention and turns women into gamers. Women in Games, STEM, and STEM are encouraging women in fields not usually favored by men to take up. These programs are making a big difference for the development of technology and gaming by giving women empowerment. We need to raise the awareness and have more conversations about representation for women in gaming.” – BlondiebutGeeky, Xbox Ambassador

Check out the Xbox Ambassadors Community Blog To see more, click here

The Xbox Ambassador community is also celebrating Women’s History Month with a series of XA Missions that feature games with powerful women. You can play, share and discuss your favorite video games. Becoming an Xbox Ambassador today!

---

---

Find out about games featuring powerful women and those created by women

Since the dawn of technology, women have played a significant role in innovation. The history of videogames is no exception. Not only have women been involved in the creation of games every step of the way, but studies are showing more and more that women play and enjoy games as much as men do. Since seeing ourselves represented is so important, we want to showcase that powerful can mean many things, from being able to take on a horde of enemies to being able to practice empathy for others.​

In March, and all year round, we will highlight games that feature powerful women protagonists or games made by women. These collections are available on The Microsoft Stores on Xbox, Windows, and within the Game Pass mobile app year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities.

The following are featured titles from the Microsoft Stores on Xbox, Windows, Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass collections:

• Signalis (Available with Xbox Game Pass and Rated M) – Created by Yuri Stern and Barbara Wittman, this artistic take on survival horror follows the story of a humanoid android, Elster, on a quest to find her missing partner, Ariane. Discover terrifying secrets, challenging puzzles, and nightmarish creatures all while searching for lost love in a dystopian solar system. ​

• The Walking Dead: MichonneAvailable with Xbox Game Pass or Rated M – Haunted by her past, this game explores the trauma from the devastating loss and difficult decisions that the resilient character, Michonne, had to endure in order to survive the zombie apocalypse on her own. Nichole Martinez, Meghan Thornton, Erica Harrell, and Desirée Proctor were all contributing writers for this deeply emotional mini-series. ​

• A Plague Tale: Requiem (Available with Xbox Game Pass and Rated M) – Take on the role of Amicia, the intelligent protector of her cursed younger brother, Hugo, in this heartrending sequel to A Plague Tale: Innocence. Embark on a journey to find a new home in a twisted world of supernatural forces and figure out just how far Amicia is willing to go in order to save her brother. ​

• Cities: Skylines Remastered (Available with Xbox Game Pass) – Originally brought to us from lead designer Karoliina Korppoo, this city building game has now released a remastered edition for console. The latest edition provides the opportunity for bigger and more beautiful cities. This game encourages creativity and self-expression by allowing players to design a city of their dreams while managing the ever-changing demands of thousands of citizens. ​

• Gears 5Available with Xbox Game Pass or Rated M – As the first woman protagonist of this iconic franchise, Kait Diaz is on a mission to uncover the origins of the Locust Horde. Kait not only battles her way bravely through swarms of enemies, but also endures disturbing visions that inevitably help her get the answers she seeks. Experience Kait’s journey of self-discovery as she learns her family’s true history.​

New Gamerpics, Profile Theme, Wallpaper and Avatar Items to Celebrate Women’s History

In partnership with women communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile theme, wallpapers and avatar items! On console, the gamerpic as well as the profile theme will be accessible. Find your avatar and wallpaper products here. Each country may have different availability.

---

---

Xbox Livestreaming

Each Monday in March, Xbox Plays will highlight some of the most popular women streamers. They are inviting you to share their expertise with us. Xbox Twitch Channel in celebration of Women’s History Month! You can catch the entire action at Twitch.tv/Xbox.

March 6,

• Atiyana playing Disney Dreamlight Valley (11am PT)
• Ashlinaa playing Disney Dreamlight Valley (3pm PT)

March 13

• Emme play Disney Dreamlight Valley (11am PT)
• TacticalGramma playing Call of Duty Warzone 2. (3pm PT)

March 20

• Laelindra playing Disney Dreamlight Valley (11am PT)
• Bettynixx performing Disney Dreamlight Valley (3pm PT)

February 27

• Blushi dancing Minecraft (11am PT)
• OathxX singing Halo Infinite (3pm PT)

---