Xbox Empowers Asian and Pacific Islander Communities with GameTan and NEEL

The gaming world owes much of its vibrancy and innovation to the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Xbox continues to push boundaries and showcase diverse game titles crafted by developers and artists from these communities. Their rich traditions, technological advances, and unique perspectives contribute to a gaming landscape that captivates, challenges, and entertains players worldwide.

Game developers from the Asian and Pacific Islander communities often infuse their games with elements from their cultures, introducing players to new narratives and aesthetics while fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. Additionally, the rise of esports has seen talented players from these communities excelling on the global stage, inspiring a new generation of gamers. Xbox is embarking on partnerships with nonprofits that align with these values, aiming to spread the joy of gaming globally and provide opportunities for students and aspiring individuals to delve into the realms of esports, technology, and game design.

While content creation is a significant aspect, the Asian and Pacific Islander communities also comprise a substantial portion of gamers, actively engaging in online communities and providing valuable feedback to shape game development. Xbox celebrates the diversity within its community and recognizes that a blend of cultures and ideas fuels innovation, making the gaming world dynamic and inclusive. Games serve not only as entertainment but also as tools for empathy, offering insights into the experiences of underrepresented communities. Here’s how Xbox supports these communities:

Xbox is proud to announce its partnerships with two exceptional nonprofit organizations, GameTan and Nevada Esports Education League (NEEL). These collaborations underline Xbox’s dedication to fostering representation and empathy through the power of gaming and esports education. By working hand in hand with these nonprofits, Xbox aims to create inclusive environments where competitiveness and teamwork thrive, showcasing the Asian and Pacific Islander communities’ spirit.

GameTan, based in New Zealand and operating under HauTutu, offers opportunities for kids to explore gaming, esports, and technology. Through various projects and events, GameTan empowers students to take on leadership roles and gain valuable experience from a young age. The organization also hosts game clubs, providing a communal space for the community to bond over food and video games while supporting homeless children. Xbox is contributing a donation to support GameTan’s mission and programs.

GameTan’s mission revolves around four key pillars:

• “In order for our kids to change the future, we as teachers must change our approach.”

Me aro ngā kaiako i ngā wawata o ngā tauira, kia mārama ngā tauira i te anamata 

• Game-Led Learning: Where Fun Meets Future Skills

Ako Ātea : Te tūtakitanga a tākaro me pūkenga ki te anamata 

• Whānau-Centered Innovation: Tech for All

Te auahatanga o te whānau: Mō te ao katoa te hangarau. 

• Creating Career Pathways: From Local Talent to Global Leaders

Whaohia te ara ki tua o paerangi: Ngā rangatira o te kainga, Ngā rangatira o te ao 

GameTan blends culture with technology and innovation, emphasizing the transformative power of games beyond mere entertainment.

NEEL, Nevada’s sole nonprofit dedicated to esports, leads initiatives focused on career development, STEM outreach, and community engagement for youth. From organizing charity Twitch streams to hosting community tournaments, NEEL actively involves youth and fosters inclusive communities, particularly among Asian American Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AAPINHPI) groups. Xbox’s contribution to NEEL will support mental health awareness initiatives tailored for AAPINHPI gamers, promoting diversity and inclusion in esports, and celebrating cultural heritage through gaming events.

Members of Rewards in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting Asian and Pacific Islander communities through Xbox. Featured organizations on the Rewards hub include:

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC – works to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans through strategic policy advocacy, community education, and impactful litigation.
• AAPI Equity Alliance – dedicated to enhancing the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through civic engagement, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
• Stop AAPI Hate – aims to dismantle systemic racism and end anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander hate through community empowerment and advocacy for solutions.

Xbox players can earn Rewards points by playing games, completing Game Pass Quests, and making eligible purchases at the Microsoft Store. Start earning today and redeem your points for rewards or donate them on the Rewards hub or Microsoft Rewards redeem page.

Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage month, showcasing water, fire, and two characters from the Ramayana, Sukhrip and Madchanu on a stage with embroidered curtains.

The gaming industry owes a debt of gratitude to the Asian and Pacific Islander communities for their immense contributions. At Xbox, we strive to celebrate the diversity of these communities by offering engaging gaming experiences that reflect their histories and heritage.

Throughout May and beyond, explore a variety of game collections that highlight the vast diversity of East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. These collections feature creators, lead characters, and game inspirations from these cultures, available on the Microsoft Stores on Xbox and Windows. Delve into the collections of East, South, and Southeast Asian Community Games, and Pacific Islander and Indigenous Community Games, available year-round to enrich the gaming ecosystem and elevate content that resonates with these communities.

Highlighted titles within the collections accessible with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass include:

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Embark on a modern take on classic JRPG experience designed by Japanese creators Yoshitaka Murayama and Junko Kawano, leading over 100 playable characters through a war-torn world rich in diverse cultures and values.

Mineko’s Night Market (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Join Mineko on a heartfelt adventure set in a struggling Japanese-inspired island, celebrating Japanese culture and weaving a narrative of friendship, tradition, and cats, inspired by Studio Ghibli and the cat island in Aoshima, Japan.

Sword and Fairy: Together Forever (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Immerse yourself in an ancient Chinese mythology realm in this role-playing adventure directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Yao Zhuangxian, navigating a world filled with spirit creatures, mini-games, and quests.

Thirsty Suitors (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Dive into South Asian identity with this adventure, following Jala Jayaratne, a bisexual daughter of immigrants from India and Sri Lanka, in a story-driven journey of culture, intergenerational trauma, and self-expression.

Venba (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Experience the narrative cooking simulator that explores family dynamics and immigrant life, taking on the role of a Tamil mother unraveling lost recipes and facing new challenges in day-to-day life.

In celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Xbox collaborated with an artist from Thailand to reimagine the Xbox logo. Inspired by the Ramayana, an epic story originating from India and influencing various Asian cultures, the design incorporates elements of Thai culture, such as the traditional dance form “Kohn.” Just as gamers create avatars in games, Kohn performers wear masks to portray different characters.

The revamped Xbox logo depicts Sukhrip (Sugriva) and Madchanu, set against a backdrop of the Thai New Year celebration, Songkran. The scene captures the essence of Songkran, featuring water splashing, a vibrant sun, and traditional embroidered wild orchid flowers symbolizing Northern Thailand’s landscape.

In honor of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Xbox engages with Xbox Ambassadors of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage to explore their favorite gaming experiences. These individuals highlight how video games can authentically represent their heritage in positive ways. Discover more insights from Xbox Ambassadors in this Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month blog.

The Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Xbox design is now accessible as an Xbox wallpaper and dynamic background on console. Follow the steps below to apply the dynamic background:

• Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
• Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My background > Dynamic backgrounds.

You can choose among Games, Xbox, or Abstract dynamic backgrounds. Select your preferred background art with the A button.