Celebrating Black History: A Worldwide Tribute to Culture and Creativity in Gaming

As we mark Black History Month, what’s truly significant is the recognition of Black culture’s incredible expanse and vibrant richness. From the pulsating beats of Afro-Caribbean music to the intricate artistry of African American traditions, Black culture spans the globe, with each region contributing its unique narratives, creativity, and vibrant spirit. This February, Xbox takes immense pride in spotlighting the multifaceted voices of Black creators worldwide, unveiling powerful stories and gaming experiences that capture the essence of the Black journey.

Black culture is a tapestry woven from generations of resilience, joy, innovation, and a shared sense of community spirit, transcending borders, languages, and continents. Our gaming lineup reflects these diverse narratives as we celebrate the beauty and complexity of Black culture in all its iterations. At Xbox, our commitment is unwavering toward nurturing the future generation of Black creators who are shaping the gaming landscape. Through the games we create and the programs we champion, we are nurturing emerging voices, encouraging fresh perspectives, and promoting culturally rich experiences that will connect with players long into the future. Our goal is to highlight and support these creators, providing a robust platform where their unique stories can flourish, inspiring new talent and audiences alike.

We remain devoted to supporting creators who inspire, challenge, and entertain, ensuring their stories gain the global celebration they deserve.

Minecraft Celebrates Black History Month with Education and Community Impact

As we honor Black History Month, Minecraft continues its mission to elevate Black voices, foster educational initiatives around Black history, and emphasize communal power. Utilising both the Minecraft and Microsoft platforms, Minecraft is highlighting Black creators in its marketplace, collaborating with educators on civil rights history, and supporting nonprofits that serve Black communities.

"Lessons in Good Trouble" is an immersive Minecraft experience designed to teach players the importance of standing up for justice. Developed by Minecraft Education in collaboration with educators Natasha Rachell and Felisa Ford, it has already reached over 6 million downloads since its debut in 2020. The latest update of this downloadable content introduces students to the life and legacy of John Lewis. It explores his pivotal civil rights work and the birth of his nonviolent activism philosophy. From colonial India to Selma, Alabama, and apartheid South Africa, "Lessons in Good Trouble" empowers players to effect change within their communities. You can download it for free on the Minecraft Marketplace or access it as a free demo via Minecraft Education.

On top of this educational pursuit, the Minecraft Marketplace is putting the spotlight on Black creators, ensuring their contributions are celebrated on a global stage.

Additionally, Minecraft partners with The Cxmmunity Foundation, focusing on increasing representation of underrepresented communities in esports and gaming through STEAM development. Keep an eye on Minecraft’s social channels throughout February for features on The Cxmmunity Foundation’s work and to learn more about their programs.

By nurturing a space for diverse voices and histories, Minecraft is crafting a more inclusive community where education, creativity, and social change beautifully intersect.

South of Midnight: A Journey into Southern Folklore

We’re thrilled to introduce you to "South of Midnight," an ambitious third-person action-adventure game that plunges into the cultural depths of America’s Deep South. In this atmospheric Southern Gothic narrative, players will guide Hazel, a young woman who possesses a potent, ancient weaving ability. Set in a world rich with myth and folklore, "South of Midnight" invites players to explore a landscape heavily influenced by regional history, culture, and traditions, often amplifying the overlooked Black narratives embedded in Southern heritage.

As part of our Black History Month celebration, Xbox is excited to feature "South of Midnight," showcasing how games can serve as a vehicle for preserving and elevating Black culture, folklore, and resilience while delivering a story as rich and complex as the territory it represents.

"South of Midnight" is set for release on April 8, 2025, and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, and cloud gaming. Subscribers can access it on day one via Game Pass.

Discover Games Shaped by Black Creators and Featuring Black Protagonists

Dive into the rich tapestry of Black history through gameplay. Throughout February and beyond, explore various game collections that spotlight Black creators, leading characters, and offer inclusive character creation options, ranging from skin tones to hairstyles.

Here’s a taste of some selections from our Xbox Game Collection in celebration of Black History Month.

Games Featuring Black Protagonists & Stories:

• Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition – The African Royals: This iconic RTS returns with adventures in Africa, introducing two new civilizations, the Ethiopians and the Hausa. Utilize a distinctive Age-up mechanic to form alliances and employ influential units or research new technologies. (Requires Age of Empires III Base Game, sold separately.)

• Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn: From A44, the creators of Ashen, comes this enthralling Souls-like where gods and guns clash in a fight for humanity’s future. As the Door to the Great Below opens, it’s time for the Coalition army to step up. Embrace a narrative filled with vengeance, gunpowder, and magic.

• Baldur’s Gate 3: Kidnapped, corrupted, lost. As your transformation into a monster progresses, your power grows. Navigate a tale of camaraderie, betrayal, sacrifice, and survival while influencing the fate of the Forgotten Realms.

• Mortal Kombat 1: Dive into a freshly reshaped Mortal Kombat Universe under Fire God Liu Kang. Mortal Kombat 1 initiates a new era with an innovative fighting system, game modes, and jaw-dropping fatalities.

• Streets of Rage 4: Revitalize the classic beat ’em up series with its timeless gameplay and highly acclaimed soundtrack in this tribute to the beloved Streets of Rage series.

Games from Black Creators:

• Aerial_Knight’s We Never Yield: Dive into a stylized run through a world filled with rapid-paced action and intense challenges. Traverse through varied obstacles with heart-pounding beats, alone or co-op style.

• Tell Me Why: From the makers of Life is Strange, this narrative-driven adventure follows Tyler and Alyson Ronan as they unravel memories from their past. Set in picturesque Alaska, explore themes that echo the game’s narrative.

• Forza Horizon 5: Embark on an exhilarating Horizon adventure, exploring Mexico’s vibrant landscapes, capturing the essence of the ultimate driving thriller with a new multiplayer experience, Hide & Seek.

• El Paso, Elsewhere: This supernatural noir third-person shooter invites you to battle mythic creatures in a reality-twisting motel. Save victims from Draculae and square off against the evil that you once adored.

• Jay & Silent Bob: Mall Brawl: Experience retro beat ’em up gameplay with Jay and Silent Bob, facing off against mallrats, delinquents, and security guards on a quest to escape the mall.

Rising Voices: Emerging Black Creators Shaping the Future of Gaming

Highlighting remarkable talent, Xbox is delighted to present Nicodemus Madehdou, JumpButton Studio’s pioneering CEO and founder. His journey in the gaming industry illustrates resilience, passion, and community spirit.

Arriving in the U.S. from Liberia in 2004, Nicodemus faced the challenges of adjusting to a new environment. He found solace through online gaming, which sparked his desire to create unifying experiences through games. Together with Daniel Ostermiller and Calbert Warner, he established JumpButton Studio, dedicated to creating inclusive and culturally-enriching games.

Philadelphia hosts JumpButton Studio, leveraging its vibrant culture and educational institutions to cultivate a growing gaming community. Nicodemus aims to transform Philadelphia into a gaming development hub, allowing local talents to flourish without leaving the city.

For aspiring developers, Nicodemus stresses resilience, embracing failure, and honest communication with teams. Nurturing relationships within the gaming ecosystem is vital for long-term success, he asserts.

His team is currently working on two exciting projects. "The Piece" is a captivating game where graffiti art springs to life, aiming to connect with audiences eager for innovative concepts. "Our Passing Thoughts," born from the COVID-19 pandemic, explores communication and vulnerability through co-op mechanics.

Slated for release later this year, "Our Passing Thoughts" will challenge players to cooperate uniquely, offering a transformative exploration of trust in relationships. Be sure to support them on social platforms @opt_thegame.

Xbox is proud to celebrate Nicodemus and JumpButton Studio by honoring and amplifying the voices of emerging Black creators who are setting the gaming industry’s future path.

Gaming with Impact

In the United States, Rewards members can earn points to donate to organizations championing mental wellness with Xbox. Available on the Rewards hub are:

• Gameheads: A tech training program using game development to create diverse talent, training youth of color for tech and preparing them for college, careers, and civic life.

• Cxmmunity: A nonprofit focused on elevating BIPOC representation in gaming and esports through STEAM education and career development.

Players aged 18 and over can earn Rewards points through various activities, including gaming, completing Game Pass Quests, and purchasing items from the Microsoft Store.

Wallpapers and Dynamic Backgrounds

This Black History Month, Xbox proudly presents a design inspired by Ethiopian and Nigerian textiles as an Xbox wallpaper and dynamic background on consoles. Follow these steps to apply the dynamic background:

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

Choose the perfect background from Games, Xbox, or Abstract categories and select it with the A button to make it yours.