At Xbox, we believe that gaming should be enjoyed by everyone. Our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility drives us to create experiences that resonate with all players, including those in the Gaming & Disability Community. This month, we proudly acknowledge the 425+ million players who are part of this thriving community. By nurturing inclusive communities, facilitating accessible design, and continually investing in accessibility, we strive to eliminate barriers and ensure that gaming magic is accessible to all.
We are excited to announce our ongoing partnership with the Special Olympics to promote inclusivity in gaming. Since 2014, Microsoft and Special Olympics have teamed up to empower athletes through technology, leading to the annual Gaming for Inclusion event. This year, Xbox had the privilege of hosting selected Special Olympics athletes in Redmond for a fantastic event featuring a build challenge with Minecraft Education and a Gaming for Inclusion tournament.
Our commitment is to empower every individual to play the games they love, with whomever they desire, anywhere they choose, in a manner that suits their needs. We are continuously seeking innovative ways to offer more options that enable players with disabilities to customize their gaming setups. This year, Xbox is pleased to introduce new products developed in collaboration with the Gaming & Disability community and nonprofit organizations, including the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, complimentary 3D printable files for adaptive thumbstick toppers with Xbox Design Lab, and two Designed for Xbox controllers: ByoWave’s Proteus Controller and 8BitDo’s Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller. These advancements offer additional accessibility options to support gameplay and enhance the gaming experience for everyone.
Join us in celebrating the diverse voices and perspectives that strengthen and unite our community.
Since 2014, Microsoft and Special Olympics have joined forces to empower athletes through technology, culminating in the annual Gaming for Inclusion event by Special Olympics and Xbox.
In September, Xbox and Mojang hosted three Special Olympics athletes in Redmond for a Mojang build challenge alongside Minecraft Education Edition developers. The athletes also toured Xbox Headquarters and met Xbox leaders, including Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer. Special Olympics also held the Gaming for Inclusion tournament where Special Olympics athletes and their Unified partners competed in Rocket League for a chance to join the upcoming Gaming for Inclusion Showcase.
This Saturday, make sure to tune in to the official Xbox YouTube or Twitch channel to watch the Gaming for Inclusion Showcase, where winners from the qualifying tournament will display their competitive skills in Forza Motorsport. The showcase will also include highlights from the GFI Rocket League qualifying tournament and a recap of the Mojang build challenge.
Visit Special Olympics to find out more about their programs and discover ways to support their efforts. Microsoft Rewards members in certain markets can earn points and donate them to Special Olympics to back this initiative.
Rewards members in select countries can earn and donate points to organizations supporting the gaming and disability community with Xbox. Featured organizations, such as SpecialEffect, Warfighter Engaged, and AbleGamers, focus on various aspects of inclusion and accessibility within the gaming industry.
Start earning rewards today and redeem your points for real rewards. Join us in donating via Xbox.
Celebrate the gaming and disability community through the power of play! Connect and play games that immerse you in a range of perspectives and experiences. Throughout October and beyond, discover games created by and reflecting the experiences of neurodiversity and people with disabilities.
Available on the Microsoft Stores on Xbox and Windows, explore the Stores Collection year-round as part of our ongoing efforts to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities. For Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, delve into the Xbox Game Pass Gaming & Disability community collection and the PC Game Pass Gaming & Disability community collection.
Featured titles within the collections include Gris, Solar Ash, and The Sims 4.
Responding to the desires of players with disabilities for an affordable joystick option to use alongside the Xbox Adaptive Controller and other Xbox controllers, we have created the Xbox Adaptive Joystick. Through extensive research, testing, and collaboration with players with disabilities and accessibility experts, we designed the joystick to be versatile enough to meet the diverse needs of players with disabilities.
The Xbox Adaptive Joystick will be available in early 2025 in select Xbox markets worldwide for $29.99 USD ERP. Learn more about this innovation and other new accessibility offerings designed by and for Xbox on Xbox Wire.
The Gaming & Disability Community Xbox design is now available as an Xbox Wallpaper. Get your wallpaper here. Availability may vary by country.