People are using AI more and more at home, at work, in school, and everywhere in between. According to the most recent Microsoft Global Online Safety Survey, there has been a global increase in active generative AI users. Our findings showed that in 2024, 51% of people are users or experimenters of generative AI compared to 38% in 2023. Generation Z continues to drive this adoption with 64% of young adults reporting ever using the technology. That means it’s up to us – especially those of us who work in technology and gaming – to make sure that young people have the support they need to navigate the world of AI safely while also fostering their curiosity and creativity in exploring these new technologies.
That’s why, for Safer Internet Day 2025, Minecraft Education is releasing a new installment in the CyberSafe series where players can explore the risks and opportunities of AI use through fun, game-based challenges. In each instance, players are tasked with articulating guidelines for how to use AI safely and responsibly. Welcome to CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, available free on the Minecraft Marketplace and in Minecraft Education!
Safely Exploring Real-world AI Issues
This DLC engages players by putting them in the role of a student tasked with helping to throw a fundraiser for their school. When the student sets out to investigate how AI technology could be used to help them mass produce the 3D-printed animals they’ve been learning to make in STEM lab, they encounter some common challenges and risks posed by using AI as a creative tool. They realize that its output might not be what they were looking for, and that they always need to check AI results against other trusted sources of information. While the player doesn’t engage with generative AI technology directly through the DLC, they will work through challenges and scenarios that simulate use of AI and learn about how to use it responsibly. Players will come to understand that, in the world outside their classroom, people might use AI both positively and negatively, building critical awareness of the roles that AI plays in their lives.
“Human inventiveness is at the center of AI. This is a great opportunity to empower educators, kids, and families with the knowledge and skills to use AI safely, maximizing human creativity and its positive impact in the world,” says Carlos Figueiredo, Director of Player Safety at Mojang Studios. “I’m excited to continue the momentum of our CyberSafe content, which has already reached tens of millions of players worldwide.”
CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper builds on the success of the CyberSafe DLC series, available free on the Minecraft Marketplace and in Minecraft Education, which has helped a generation of players learn key digital citizenship skills like password protection, data privacy, and ways to deal with online bullying. Last year’s launch of Good Game inspired millions of young Minecrafters to create in-game codes of conduct. Through a partnership between Xbox and Minecraft, the CyberSafe series has reached more than 80 million downloads since 2022.
With Dig Deeper, players will learn the critical questions to ask when working with AI or encountering AI-generated content and build an understanding of how to navigate these systems thoughtfully and safely. Ultimately, the experience aims to illustrate that for all their capabilities, AI systems require human intelligence, intervention, and oversight to work safely and constructively. Use the included Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit for further guidance on navigating the CyberSafe DLC series.
If you’re looking for more resources and tips for family gaming, visit xbox.com/family. You can learn more about what Xbox offers for families, including information about privacy and access to privacy tools, the Xbox Family Settings app and Community Standards.
You can read more about Microsoft’s Global Online Survey Results and the efforts being taken to tackle abusive AI-generated content risks at Microsoft’s Safer Internet Day 2025 blog.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day is an opportunity to continue to recognize our community of players with disabilities, whose partnership and advocacy have helped create an inclusive and thriving global gaming community. There are over 450 million players with disabilities worldwide, and we want to highlight the importance of accessibility so gaming can be enjoyed by as many players as possible across all facets of the Xbox community.
At the same time, we acknowledge that accessibility is an ongoing journey to which Xbox remains committed. We created Xbox for players around the world as a place to play, to build community, and have fun. Everyone is invited to play, and we strive to bring intentional, inclusive practices and thinking to everything we do. As part of this journey, we are continuously partnering with the disability community to help shape our accessibility products and services, proactively collaborating with nonprofit organizations, and taking the time to listen and learn when we miss the mark.
Ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we also want to highlight new updates and accessible features, community support, resources and more.
This includes:
Providing new updates for those impacted by the unauthorized accessories update on Xbox, including updates to the Xbox Adaptive Controller, and a continued commitment to investing in accessibility-focused hardware, working with accessibility hardware manufacturers to become authorized Designed for Xbox partners, and listening to community feedback.
Announcing the Proteus Controller (available for preorder), a Designed for Xbox video game controller kit featuring innovative ‘snap and play’ parts that easily connect together and allow players the ability to play their favorite Xbox and PC games right out of the box.
Announcing accessibility updates across gaming, including spotlighting some of our games with accessibility features including Candy Crush Soda Saga, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, and Diablo IV.
…and more!
Fostering Inclusive Community
Gaming is about bringing people together to connect and join shared joyful experiences. To promote awareness and knowledge of accessibility support among allof our players, we’re excited to share the following:
Coming in June: Earn the new Xbox Ambassador Accessibility Ally Badge for your Xbox profile:Want to add a new community badge to your Xbox profile? Beginning in early June, you can earn the Xbox Ambassador Accessibility Ally badge for your Xbox profile by completing quests and knowledge checks to reach a new top level in the Xbox Accessibility Explorer Path on the Xbox Ambassadors website. Since launch in October 2022, the Xbox Ambassadors community has completed over 2.7 million quests to learn more about gaming accessibility and the features available. Become an Xbox Ambassador today and select the “Accessibility” tab on the Quests page to get a head start!
New Xbox Support articles, categorized by disability: Finding accessibility features you need for play just got easier. While many features are commonly used across a multitude of players, Support.Xbox.com has five new articles that detail the accessibility features available for players with specific disabilities, including speech, cognitive, vision, mobility, and hearing.
Creating Accessible Experiences
New updates to Xbox Adaptive Controller: The Xbox Adaptive Controller was created to support players with limited mobility in building adaptive gaming setups unique to their needs. Based on community feedback from an update impacting unauthorized accessories on our platform, we are updating the Xbox Adaptive Controller to expand support for more accessories connected via USB port. This update will better support full functionality of some accessibility peripherals. Each port now supports up to 12 buttons, a second stick, and a hat switch. This update will be rolled out to Xbox Insiders over the coming weeks and available publicly via a controller update prompt in the coming months.
Continued investments in accessibility: We appreciate and acknowledge that gaming with a disability is highly individualistic, and the solution for one may not be the solution for all. To that end, in addition to the Xbox Adaptive Controller firmware updates above, Xbox remains committed to:
Continuing to innovate and invest in Xbox’s accessibility offerings – taking into account feedback from the disability community and non-profit organizations to create products that elevate your gaming experience and cater to diverse needs. We look forward to sharing more updates in the future.
Working with accessibility hardware manufacturers to become authorized Designed for Xbox partners: Recognizing the importance of expanding gaming for people with disabilities, we are accelerating and streamlining the onboarding process for these partners.
Receiving feedback from those in the gaming and disability community who have been impacted by the unauthorized accessories update on our platform: If manufacturers have particular peripherals they’re interested in partnering with Xbox on, or if players with disabilities have specific devices they’d like Xbox to consider, please connect with us by phone or chat via Xbox Support at https://aka.ms/XboxAccessibilitySupport.
Preorder for the Proteus Controller: The Designed for Xbox team has been collaborating closely with our partners at Byowave to develop the Proteus Controller, a modular adaptive kit giving disabled gamers the tools to build their own way to play. The unique modular video game controller kit features innovative ‘snap and play’ parts that easily connect together and comes with everything that gamers need to play their favorite Xbox and PC games right out of the box. The Proteus controller is available for preorder today at byowave.com.
Improved Filtering & Sorting in My Games and Apps on console: You can now filter and sort games shown in My Games & Apps on console based on the accessibility or technical features they support.For example, if you want to find which games have narrated game menus, you can filter by Accessibility > Narrated Game menus and find your next game to play.
Enabling Play with Expanded Accessibility Features
On our accessibility journey, we know that to achieve our goals of making gaming a place where more players can have fun, we need to continue bringing new accessibility features to our games. Below is a roundup of games to play with notable accessibility features.
New Accessibility features in Candy Crush Soda Saga:Candy Crush Soda Saga is excited to announce a new accessibility menu that centralizes all accessibility features including audio, visual, and haptic feedback. The new audio accessibility options include bass control, reduction of high frequencies, sound effects, music controls, and mono stereo, with a robust level of customization around bass control and high frequency reduction (currently available for iOS only). Visit the King Community Page to learn more.
Accessibility features in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III: This past December, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III launched several accessibility features, including a settings menu update that flags features related to motor, vision, audio and cognitive adjustments with tags to allow filtering and greater customization. The newest feature includes a new accessibility preset called “Low Motor Sprain’ to reduce the physical effort required when playing by reducing the number of button presses or holds being required. Check out more details here.
Accessibility Updates to Diablo IV: In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day tomorrow, see how the Diablo development team is working closely with the accessibility community and finding new ways to expand access to gaming for everyone. Video link will be available via the Diablo YouTube Channel on May 16.
Empowering Game Creators to Include Accessibility in Design & Development
At Xbox, we believe bringing accessibility into development processes from the very beginning is the best way to include diverse perspectives and make gaming something everyone can enjoy. To support others in creating more accessible experiences, we are excited to share the following creator and developer resources:
New Game Accessibility Workshop Toolkit:Inspired by years of accessibility feature innovations, Xbox Research has created a Game Accessibility Workshop Toolkit available for all developers. The toolkit includes instructions and visual assets to help game developers conduct Game Accessibility Workshops on their own. Combining the power of Microsoft Inclusive Design with Xbox’s approach to game accessibility, the toolkit makes it easier for developers to design with accessibility in mind, from the start. The Game Accessibility Workshop Toolkit will be live and available to download on May 16 at 9 am PT via the Microsoft Game Dev Blog.
New Article on Accessibility of Gaming AI Experiences: With the rising use of AI across the gaming industry, our Gaming Accessibility team has put together a brief paper on how developers can think about the applicability of accessibility with gaming AI experiences, along with ideas for accessibility innovation. Learn more at: Accessibility of Gaming AI Experience
Join Team Xbox as we recognize the more than 450 million players with disabilities who are part of building such a great gaming community!
Our commitment to foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive gaming community is powered by the ongoing investments and innovations we make to protect players and promote positive play. Today, we are releasing our fourth Xbox Transparency Report, which demonstrates our advancements in promoting player safety and our commitment to transparency.
At Xbox, we remain dedicated to advancing the responsible application of AI to amplify our human expertise in the detection of potential toxicity. We have a unique opportunity to create industry-leading safety innovations that better protect our communities, leveraging Microsoft’s investments that combine the latest generative AI advancements with human expertise and judgement.
Our progressive approach to leveraging AI to categorize and identify harmful content is guided by Microsoft’s Responsible AI Standard and allows our human moderators to focus on the more complex and nuanced harms, ensuring that our actions to safeguard the gaming community are accurate, consistent, and fair.
Early AI-supported investments include:
Auto Labeling helps to classify conversational text by identifying words or phrases that match criteria and characteristics of potentially harmful content. This approach uses AI to analyze reported text content and helps community moderators quickly sort out false reports so human moderation efforts can be focused on content that is the most critical.
Image Pattern Matching, powered by advanced database and image matching techniques enables rapid removal of known harmful content and identification of emergent toxic imagery.
Among the key takeaways in the report:
Effective New Ways of Protecting Players: Player behavior on Xbox voice chat has meaningfully improved since the launch of our new voice reporting feature. The feature has been effective in enabling players to report inappropriate verbal behavior with minimal impact to their gameplay. Since its launch, 138k voice records have been captured utilizing our ‘capture now, report later’ system. When those reports resulted in an Enforcement Strike, 98% of players showed improvement in their behavior and did not receive subsequent enforcements. Additionally, we have updated our proactive approach to more effectively prevent harmful content from reaching players (3.2 million more lines of text than last report, or 67%), allowing players to engage in a positive way. We will continue to invest in features that protect and enhance the Xbox player experience.
Understanding of Enforcements Leads to a Safer Community: The Enforcement Strike System was launched last year to promote positive play while helping players understand the severity of a violation. Since its launch, 88% of those who received an Enforcement Strike did not engage in activity that violated our Community Standards to receive another enforcement. We also reduced suspension lengths overall for minor offenses. Of enforcements that would have previously resulted in a 3-day or more suspension, 44% were given a reduced length. The combination of these results shows that the majority of players choose to improve their behavior after only one suspension, even when it is short.
Blocking Inauthentic Accounts Before They Have Impact: We have been continuously investing in ways to spot inauthentic accounts, which has allowed us to quickly block many of them as soon as they’re created, preventing them from affecting our players. Our improved methods prevented millions of inauthentic accounts from being used as soon as they are created and have led to a decline in the number of proactive enforcements on inauthentic accounts for the first time in two years, with enforcements dropping from 16.3 million in the last report to 7.3 million.
Outside of the Transparency Report, our team continues to work closely to drive innovation in safety and improve our players’ experience:
Launch of Microsoft Family Safety Toolkit: Microsoft understands that parents and caregivers are busy, and that the tech landscape keeps evolving. This toolkit provides guidance on how to leverage Microsoft’s safety features and family safety settings to support and enhance digital parenting, plus guidance for families looking to navigate the world of generative AI together. We’ve also included links to a selection of informational resources already made for parents, such as the Family Online Safety Institute’s How To Be A Good Digital Parent Toolkit.
Microsoft’s Annual Global Online Safety Survey: This survey seeks to better understand the digital ecosystem and individual’s experiences online. We share our results publicly so that others can benefit from the insights as we collectively strive to create a safer online environment. The survey looks at how people of all ages perceive the opportunities and risks posed by technology.
Building a better online community with Minecraft Education’s Good Game: This recent addition to the CyberSafe collection of immersive learning worlds is a story-based adventure aimed at helping players from ages 8-18 understand the responsibilities, tools, responses and strategies that foster empathy and enable healthy online interactions. Minecraft Education users can find CyberSafe: Good Game in the in-game lesson library. The world is also available for free for Minecraft Bedrock players in the Minecraft Marketplace.
Together with our players, we continue to build a strong and supportive community for everyone, free from intimidation and distractions. We are dedicated to improving our safety features to foster our connection to players through feedback and in-game reporting, and to apply layers of protection more effectively. The AI solutions we release are all part of the journey we are taking to build a safer and more welcoming environment for all, because everyone deserves to play comfortably and experience the joy that gaming has to offer. Thank you for taking part in this journey with us.
Xbox partners with Gameheads to showcase Black-created games in recognition of Black History Month.
Explore a wide variety of games curated by Black communities at Microsoft.
This Black History Month, we’re sharing the importance of increased representation in gaming at Microsoft.
Gaming is an incredible medium. It has the power to bring people from all walks of life together through the shared experience of play and common connection. I often enjoy mobile gaming as both a quick mini break in the day and a break in between commitments, and PC gaming for more immersive strategy and entertainment experiences. However, more than a medium for creating a fun escape or a way of connecting with friends, video games also have the potential to be an incredible platform to preserve our shared history and honor the stories of people of color in an engaging way that can disarm defenses and build empathy and understanding.
As a corporate officer, a leader in the gaming space, and a woman of color, I am keenly aware that I stand on the shoulders of many trailblazers that came before me. Understanding this rich history as I navigate my day-to-day journey inspires me to pay forward the same mentorship and sponsorship to others that will someday blaze similar trails for those following them. In doing so, I hope this increases representation, further building upon an organization that represents the broad demographics of the gamers we serve.
Microsoft, Xbox, and gamers all benefit from increased representation on every level.
Gamers from underrepresented communities will not only feel like their voices are heard, but have a greater opportunity to see themselves and their history in the characters they explore. As a more diverse population of employees and leaders assume a broader set of positions at all levels of the organization, employees from underrepresented groups will feel a greater sense of belonging and inclusion, such that they can bring their best and more authentic self to the workplace. Similarly, designing games that reflect the diversity of our world and incorporate authentic narratives based on our shared history can promote an understanding of different lived experiences and build unity through gaming. Overall, games are a powerful form of art and storytelling which can both preserve our rich history, especially those of people of color – and allow us to carry that into the future, as we look with hopeful expectation to a more inclusive world.
Give
Gameheads x Xbox Black History Games Showcase
Gameheads helps to prepare student developers for a meaningful career in the games industry – this year we’re taking our partnership with them further than ever before. With our theme of “Louder,” we’re aiming to not only amplify these students’ stories, but to preserve them as well. The games we’re showcasing here are created by students and center around Black history, Black experiences, and Black talent. Xbox also provided a donation to Gameheads to support their commitment to diversifying the pipeline in the gaming industry and empowering the next generation of game developers. This partnership and campaign are a testament to a brighter and more inclusive future for the games industry.
Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting Black communities with Xbox. The organizations below will be featured on console throughout June:
Gameheads– A tech training program that uses video game design, development and DevOps to create diverse talent and bold new voices, train youth of color for the tech eco-system and prepare them for college, career and civic life. [US]
Cxmmunity– A nonprofit organization committed to increasing BIPOC representation within the gaming and esports industry through STEAM education and career development. [US]
Xbox gamers can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games and completing Game Pass Quests, and purchasing games and other eligible items at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply). Earn points and redeem them for real rewards. Join us today and donate through Xbox.
Play
Explore Games Curated by Black Communities at Microsoft
Celebrate Black history through the power of play. During February and beyond, you can play a variety of game collections highlighting Black creators, lead characters, and character creation options that include a variety of skin tones and inclusive hairstyles.
A few highlights from these epic collections include:
Redfall (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Voiced by Queen Noveen, Layla is a Black woman with telekinetic powers and one of the playable heroes in Arkane Austin’s most recent release, Redfall. Not only is she a powerful fighter, but Layla’s story has a fun twist – she can summon her vampire ex-boyfriend to help in battle.
ValiDate: Struggling Singles in Your Area (Available on Console) – Veritable Joy Studios is dedicated to making games that place people of color and LGBTQIA+ characters front and center. With a story written by people of underrepresented backgrounds, their debut game, ValiDate: Struggling Singles in Your Area, features 13 playable millennials, including Black, trans, and non-binary characters.
The Lamplighters’ League (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Recruit a team of misfits and chase the Banished Court to the ends of the earth in a character-driven story of adventure and intrigue. Playable character options include Lateef, a master of misdirection from Cairo, Egypt; Alexandrite, a Black woman who specializes as a glamour mage; and Judith, a Black engineer that acts as a powerful defensive tank.
Treachery in Beatdown City: Ultra Remix (Available on Console) – Designed by Shawn Alexander Allen and programmed by Manuel Nico Marcano, this beat ’em up offers social commentary on racism through dialogue, action, humor, and brutal realism.
Halo Infinite (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Led by studio head Pierre Hintze – the first Black studio head in Halo franchise history – 343 Industries continues to celebrate diversity in the Halo Universe and beyond. Hintze was also featured in Project Amplify, a video series showcasing Black voices across Xbox with the goal of educating and inspiring youth interested in careers in the gaming industry.
New Forza Horizon 5 Black History Month Decals
This year’s Black History Month-themed Xbox art, designed by Dominique Ramsey, is now in Forza Horizon 5 as a vinyl: an in-game decal that you can use to customize any car. Show off this unique design on your car using #ForzaBHM on Instagram, X, YouTube, and Twitch for a chance to be featured!
Halo Infinite Celebrates Black History Month with Spartan Customizations
Halo infinite is celebrating Black History Month with a brand-new suite of Spartan customizations! Players logging in during the month of February will gain access to a special armor coating, visor, emblem and nameplate.
Discover
Artist Dominique Ramsey Redesigns the Xbox Logo for Black History Month
Xbox commissioned artist Dominque Ramsey to redesign the Xbox logo in recognition of amplifying Black stories. Her art is heavily inspired by Ethiopian and Nigerian textiles and folk art. She also looked to the Ghanian fabric, the “Kente cloth,” which is known for its bright, striking colors, with each carrying special meaning. Similarly, Dominique thoughtfully chose the palette for this design to spread a message of hope and unity. In her words, “This piece, with its varied colors and textures, highlights that Black people may look different from each other in many ways, but acceptance for our fellow community members sets a wonderful example for everyone around us.”
Xbox Ambassadors Community Spotlight
This Black History Month, we reached out to the Black community of Xbox Ambassadors to ask them about the importance of feeling seen and heard within the gaming industry, and tips for staying safe when gaming. Hear what they had to say below, and at the Xbox Ambassadors blog.
“I have a checklist that I go over before each stream. I ensure materials with personally identifiable information are stored somewhere safe and away from my camera. My line of thinking is ‘If I can see it, you can see it.’ If [I have] apps [turned on that] create on-screen notifications, I turn those to ‘Do Not Disturb’… Being a woman online, especially a Black woman tends to have its stressors… I’ve learned that people tend to just do things to get a reaction from you. The best method is honestly not to engage with people like that. Block and report!” – selenadeon5x
“Gaming has helped me connect to other Black gamers in meaningful ways. Having a community of people that have similar experiences and upbringings who can support and encourage each other.” – BLACKB0MBER
Xbox Community Designs Now Available as Dynamic Backgrounds
You asked, we made it happen! All our community artwork is now available as dynamic backgrounds on console. Dominique Ramsey’s Black History Month 2024 Xbox Sphere is available today – follow these steps to apply it:
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalisation > My background > Dynamic backgrounds.
You can choose between Games, Xbox, or Abstract dynamic backgrounds. Choose the background art that you want with the A button.
Join Team Xbox as we elevate Black voices and games in celebration of Black History Month!
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