The Inclusive Growth Doorways, as Xbox refers to them, focus on four key aspects: approachability, representation, globalization, and accessibility. These principles are aimed at ensuring that players from all backgrounds and experiences feel welcome in the gaming world. Xbox has been using this framework internally since 2019 and has now decided to make it available to all developers who wish to embrace inclusivity.
Katy Jo Wright, Xbox’s head of Gaming for Everyone, believes that intentional inclusion is necessary to avoid unintentional exclusion. She stated, “Reaching players that might be different than us, or have different lived experiences – that’s not going to happen by default.” The framework was developed as a solution to the challenge of translating these principles into action at a local level.
Wright provided examples of how the doorways can be implemented. For representation and globalization, Xbox offers a community games collection feature on its store, allowing users to search for games relevant to specific groups. This not only helps players find games that resonate with them but also educates other players about different communities. Xbox’s family settings and Ambassadors program promote approachability, while language support in the Microsoft store caters to gamers worldwide. Additionally, Microsoft games incorporate various accessibility features to ensure that everyone can enjoy gaming.
It’s important to note that the Gaming for Everyone Product Inclusion Framework is not meant to be a tool or mandate but rather a resource for developers. Xbox wants to make gaming truly inclusive for everyone without compromising on individual game experiences. By providing these resources, Xbox hopes to encourage developers to create games that are welcoming and accessible to players from diverse backgrounds.
The announcement of the Gaming for Everyone Product Inclusion Framework at GDC showcases Xbox’s commitment to inclusivity in the gaming industry. By sharing their resources with developers, Xbox aims to promote a more inclusive gaming landscape where players from all walks of life feel represented and welcome. With this initiative, Xbox is taking a significant step towards making gaming truly for everyone.
