Video games ceased being niche entertainment years ago, and now companies are aiming to reach as many players as possible. Microsoft and Xbox have committed to bringing gaming to hundreds of millions or even billions of players, and part of that plan involves inclusivity, not leaving anyone out. This applies both to the user experience and the development process itself, and interesting information was generated during GDC 2024.
Xbox presents the Product Inclusion Framework at GDC 2024
During their participation in GDC 2024, Xbox presented their strategy and guidelines that converge in the Product Inclusion Framework, part of their initiative Gaming for Everyone. This is the opening of the original inclusive plan from 2019 but can now be adopted by other studios and publishers interested in working with Xbox in this regard, although it is not mandatory.
Regarding this, this inclusive framework has 4 Gates of Inclusive Growth: closeness, creating a product experience where customers feel welcome; representation, generating a sense of belonging; globalization, making players feel at home regardless of their origin, and accessibility offering a product where the user can play and create.
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In this regard, Katy Jo Wright, director of Gaming for Everyone at Xbox, explained why they decided to make this strategy public and extend it to developers and publishers who are interested (via Gamesindustry.biz): "We started doing this because, as developers, we want our games to be played by as many people as possible. Its about expanding reach. When you talk to a developer, you ask, Do you want to limit the number of people playing your game? Thats how we think about it. Then, each developer can decide for themselves who they want to expand their player base to. The framework isnt a checklist. Its not a mandate, not even internally, its not that at all. Its just a way to put your game in the hands of more players in a meaningful way."
Likewise, the executive invited developers to fully commit to inclusion in video games without half measures: "If you dont intentionally include, you unintentionally exclude. Thats just how we are as human beings. Theres no shame in that. If you want to include, you have to be intentional about it."
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