Xbox Introduces New Resource to Foster Inclusivity in Game Development at GDC 2024

Microsoft has unveiled the Gaming For Everyone Product Inclusion Framework, a comprehensive resource designed to help game developers create more inclusive gaming experiences. This framework, announced at GDC 2024 in San Francisco, focuses on four primary areas: globalization, accessibility, representation, and approachability. Initially introduced internally in 2019, the framework is now being made available to other studios, with the goal of promoting diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry. The project is led by the Gaming for Everyone team, established in 2015 to make gaming accessible to everyone worldwide. According to Katy Jo Wright, head of Gaming for Everyone and Sustainability at Xbox, the team discovered that while many people were inspired by the idea of inclusivity, they often struggled to translate it into their daily work. This realization led to the creation of the Product Inclusion Framework, which aims to provide guidance and resources to help developers make intentional decisions about inclusion. The framework is not intended to be a checklist or mandate but rather a tool to help developers create games that are more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience. Wright emphasizes that the goal is not to make every game suitable for everyone but to provide developers with the resources and guidance needed to make informed decisions about their games. The framework is built around the concept of "doorways," which refers to the various ways in which people can access and engage with games. Wright explains that the framework is designed to help developers identify and open these doorways, making their games more inclusive and welcoming to a diverse range of players. Xbox has already implemented various initiatives to promote inclusivity, such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which provides accessibility options for players with disabilities. The company has also introduced language tags on its store, allowing gamers to search for games in their preferred language, and has worked with consultants to ensure that games like Forza Horizon 5 are culturally authentic and representative. The Product Inclusion Framework is not limited to game development but can be applied to other areas, such as marketing and community engagement. Wright believes that by focusing on the positive aspects of gaming and promoting inclusivity, the industry can create a more welcoming and diverse community for all players. A survey found that 71% of players consider diversity in stories and characters to be very or extremely important, highlighting the need for more inclusive gaming experiences. Wright concludes that intentional inclusion is essential to avoiding unintentional exclusion and that the Product Inclusion Framework is a valuable resource for developers who want to create games that are more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience.