Xbox Supports Mental Health Through the Power of Play

Three years ago, I began a soul-searching journey involving my own mental wellness. As Quality of Life Program Manager with 343 Industries, I have the privilege to engage in work coordinating the Halo team’s cultural and philanthropic efforts as well as working with Team Xbox and Microsoft to develop diversity and inclusion initiatives. I am passionate about my job but I sometimes feel exhausted after a long day of meetings and thought-provoking conversations. Depleted. I feel depleted.

First time I could finally describe the heavy, wet blanket that I’d been wearing all my life. With this awareness, I’m working on how to better care for myself. My therapist and I discuss what triggers depression in me, as well as how to manage my daily life. Depression is not something you have to get rid of. I accept it as a part and work hard to manage it. I take medication as part of my treatment, now, and I’ve never felt more balanced in my life! Initially, I had a lot of apprehension about taking medication, but it’s a change I’m glad I talked through and eventually made. The medication made my brain do something it didn’t seem like everyone was capable of doing. So, now I take medicine for heartburn and heartache, what’s the difference? 

Gaming is how I nourish my soul and spirit. All types of gaming are my favorite: card, board, and party. Video games are my favorite. Cloud Strife has taken on Shinra. I am an adventurer who has taken an arrow to her knee. Through the story of videogames, I’ve lived many lives. Sometimes, when I’m really down and out of control with my depression I turn to video games. Katamari Damacy. That game makes no sense at all, but it’s such a delight. You are tasked with rolling up all the things in the world into a ball, everything from fruit to furniture to buildings to people, and somehow…make new stars out of it? It’s not clear to me. But, when the world doesn’t make sense, I can just roll up all the junk into a ball and keep going.

Gaming can provide a lot of relief. Gaming can be a great source of release. I also love the competition. But, gaming is most beneficial when I’m using it for relaxation and exploration. For me, as a Black male, it can be challenging to find safe spaces. Moreover, I know that that’s not something out of the ordinary, which is why I’m adamant about playing games that bring me joy and encouraging others to do the same. Have I MinecraftCaves Stardew Valley farms that I have enjoyed as much as some of my plasma-scorched battlefields. I enjoy seeing others, including myself, do what makes me happy, without any toxicity.

Gaming is fun and, honestly, I just want to say to other men out there, and especially to other Black men, it’s okay to have fun with gaming and not take it so seriously. It’s okay for it to not be a competition and just have a relaxing time planting crops in a cozy game. You do you.

Also, games have the potential for being transformative experiences that connect us with others and other experiences. SpiritfarerThe story of grief and relationships in ‘, a simulation for management, made me weep as it connected to my own grief experiences. A game-based relationship made me feel so connected that I went to an in-game funeral of a person I never knew. I think it’s mind-blowing that games have the power to connect us like that. Because, really, it’s not what we are going through that is so difficult, but that we often try to go through it alone.

You are not the only one in your life. Anyone feeling lonely or isolated should know that someone is there to help. You can trust someone, probably someone you love and know, to listen. No matter whether you’re able to access therapy, having someone to listen to your story is an important first step. 

If you need some support and aren’t sure where to turn, start with one of the resources below. Get involved in Team Xbox as we use play to support mental well-being throughout the year.

Find out more

Xbox Ambassadors feature stories about how video games helped them through stress and burnout

Xbox Ambassadors spoke out about how they have used video games to help them cope with stress and burnout in order to promote Mental Health Awareness.

v Amarie v
She/Her. United States

“The Elder Scrolls Online has my heart when it comes to stress relief. This is largely due to the incredible music and beautiful landscapes. Tamriel is a beautiful escape to, where I could spend hours exploring. This game is so wonderful and I’m grateful for the amazing community. Tamriel is, in a strange way, like second home for most. [of]We who truly immerse ourselves. I am truly, truly grateful.”

CutePixiestik
She/Her. United States

“My gaming was placed on back burner when I became a parent. As my child got older and my financial worries diminished, I found a way to get back into gaming, playing with my son, and getting my husband on board. Gaming allowed me to spend special moments with my family, as well as provide an escape from stress and to improve my eye-hand coordination and stiff fingers. From playing Fortnite, Halo, Call of Duty and Asphalt 9, they all seem to give me an outlet to put the stresses of the day away and enjoy gaming with friends and family.”

More stories at the XA Blog.

Gift

Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards

Microsoft Rewards Members can donate and earn points for organizations that support mental wellbeing with Xbox. These organizations will appear on the console:

• Crisis Text Line – Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 high-quality, text-based, crisis intervention and mental health support in English and Spanish in English. It empowers a network of over 55,000 volunteers who can support individuals in times of need. For a free crisis counselor volunteer, send the text PAUSE (741741) (US)

• Hotline for Online Harassment and Games (Feminist Frequency). – The Games and Online Harassment Hotline is a free, text message-based, confidential emotional support hotline. The Hotline is dedicated to the gaming community. 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)

• You can do this – Take This is a mental healthcare advocacy organization that places a strong emphasis on gaming and the community. This organization offers resources, training, support, and assistance to companies and individuals that can help improve the mental well-being of gamers. It addresses mental health issues such as stigma, toxic studio culture, harassment, toxicity, lack diversity, accessibility and problem game and community design. Take This runs the AFK room program at gaming conventions. (US)

• Lifeline – Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Through compassion, hope and connection, they are dedicated to making suicide safe for Australians. (AUS) – Coming soon!

Xbox gamers can get Microsoft Rewards points by joining the Xbox Live program. This includes playing and passing Quests as well as completing Microsoft Rewards offers on Xbox. You also have the option to make select purchases in the Microsoft Store. You can redeem points for real rewards. Get involved today Donate through Xbox. 

Play

You can recharge with the games designed by Microsoft staff

Gaming allows us to experience new perspectives and immerse ourselves into fantasy worlds. More games have been created to offer ways for us to reset and rest in a world that is increasingly dependent on technology. As a common tool for relaxation, comfort, and cultivating positive feelings, games can help us create supportive communities in which we can relate to each other’s experiences and share stories of how games have impacted our lives.

This is a list of games that offer a way to escape the daily grind, help us connect with our individual identities and tell stories about the importance and strength of mental awareness. People play video games for many reasons. Some people use them to just relax, while others are drawn to emotional stories that they share. In our continuing efforts to build more inclusive gaming communities and increase content that resonates within communities, we have included a variety of games to allow people to interact with the content that suits their gaming preferences. These games are available year round on Xbox and Windows as well mobile devices.

Here are a few highlights of the complete Xbox Game Pass Collection Full Game Pass on Windows include:

• Persona 5 RoyalThis offer is available with Xbox Game Pass, Rated M and Xbox Game Pass) — Persona 5 RoyalThe introduction of Dr. Takuto maruki, a character that combines mental health with heroism, enhances an already amazing story. As the guidance counselor of Shujin Academy, Dr. Maruki supports the Phantom Thieves’ by listening to their traumatic pasts, validating their emotions, and providing them with empathy and encouragement. This game not only beautifully portrays the complicated emotions that are associated with human struggle like grief, trauma and depression but also shows the benefits of therapy on our lives. Warning: Suicide.

• Hellblade: Senua’s SacrificeAvailable with Xbox Game Pass or Rated M — Senua, a Celtic warrior, embarks on a haunting vision quest into Viking Hell to save the soul of her dead lover. Developer Ninja Theory collaborated closely with neuroscientists and people with lived experiences of psychosis to bring Senua’s story to life with authenticity.

• Disney Dreamlight Valley(Available in conjunction with the Game Pass — In this unique hybrid of adventure games and life-simulators, Disney Dreamlight ValleyPlayers can become heroes in their own Disney-themed world. The game features iconic Pixar and Disney characters as well as storylines through quests. There are endless customization possibilities and a calm atmosphere that allows for free exploration.

• Unpacking(Free with Game Pass — This zen puzzle game allows you to unweave the coming-of-age story of a queer woman moving through a variety of stages in life. As you meditate on what is important to us, decorate and organise each interior space.

• Stardew Valley(Available when you purchase the Game Pass — Winner of the Dr. Mark Award from Take This for excellent portrayal of mental health, healing, and hope, Stardew ValleyThe game is relaxing and focuses on building relationships, farming, and task completion. This gives players a feeling of satisfaction. The game has a tranquil soundtrack and encourages you to slow down.

You can view this collection at the Microsoft Store in Xbox, and on all Xbox regions of the Microsoft Store. Visitors can find this collection at any time by searching within the Stores for “Mental Health” and related terms.

Locate a Saving Point

You might enjoy relaxing and playing games with cartoon graphics. You might prefer a retro-styled RPG and engaging stories. We don’t care which way you recharge. This beautiful scene at night camping is reminding us of the save points found in many video games that you could use to charge your batteries. Profile theme or Gamerpic As a reminder, pause, take a deep breath, and let go on your journey.

Gears of War are your best friend.

Gears of War is a story about brotherhood and belonging. We are deeply concerned by the rapidly increasing rates of suicide and depression and lack of companionship. It is our hope that we can work together to alleviate and even prevent more suffering.

Coalition made an over-the-year pledge to give 1% of all Gears of War merchandise and games revenue to charities that help combat suicide prevention and loneliness. All proceeds will go to Crisis Text Line this year.

You can show your support by purchasing the 2022 Benefit Tee at the Xbox Gear Shop.

Avatar Items, Profile Theme and Gamerpics New

In honor of mental health awareness, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile themes, and avatar items featuring Xbox logos inspired by relaxing, cozy games! It is our hope that you’ll feel inspired to unwind and enjoy the comfort of your favourite cozy game. These profile themes and gamerpics are available for both console and Xbox PC. Find your avatar products here. The availability of content is dependent on the country.

---

Tune in

---

Xbox Plays Celebrates Mental Health Awareness

A number of great guests streamers will join the Xbox Plays Team in December to share their top stress-relieving tips and feel-good videos on Twitch. Follow us Xbox Twitch and don’t miss any of these cozy streams!

• Monday, December 5 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. PT – Phedran You can play Minecraft

• Monday, December 5 from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. PT – sheilur You can play Disney Dreamlight Valley

• Wednesday, December 14 from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. PT – emme You can play Stardew Valley

Xbox Partners With Calm

Holidays can bring joy and connections, but they can also negatively impact mental health. According to YouGov’s recent survey, gaming is a popular way for people to relax and get reenergized. This was prompted by Xbox. Respondents who played video games for stress relief accounted for 54%.

Players all over the world will now have an easy way to boost their health and wellness. All this is possible within just two game universes. Calm,The #1 app for relaxation, sleep and meditation has partnered with Xbox to offer the Xbox One’s first ever video-game-themed soundscapes.Officially available December 7, the players can dive in and experience the tranquil sounds of the ocean and the chattering birds. Sea of ThievesZeta Halo’s ambient alien sounds Halo Infinite Both are available via Calm Premium. To ensure players can listen to the new soundscapes with ease, we’re also announcing a new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perk. Ultimate members get three months free of Calm Premium, followed by 50% off their first annual subscription. Only available for new Calm Premium subscribers. Calm also offers a 7-day free trial to Calm Premium subscription content via www.calm.com/freetrial.

The partnership with Calm is part of Xbox’s ongoing commitment to supporting players’ mental health and connecting them with resources to support their well-being. Calm reports that 81% reported a decrease in stress when they used Calm five or more times per week, while 68% said the same for those who only use Calm once or twice per week.

The new version is now available Sea of ThievesAnd Halo InfiniteCalm Premium can create soundscapes using Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perk. Get it today!

The Calm

CalmThe leading brand in mental health, Calm is dedicated to supporting everyone at every stage of their mental journey. With the #1 app for sleep, meditation and relaxation, Calm’s transformational content supports users across seven languages in more than 190 countries.Business is calm Calm’s enterprise-level solution, helps employees improve their mental health to stay productive in the workplace. Calm Business has been chosen by more than 3,000 organisations around the globe as their partner in mental health. Calm Health, Calm’s mental health care solution for payers, providersAnd self-insured employers, connects mental and physical healthcare to drive positive patient outcomes through clinical, condition-specific mental health programs, caregiver communication tools and more. Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2020 and Time100’s Most Influential Companies of 2022. Visit this site for more details www.calm.com.