Microsoft honors indigenous creators, culture, and creativity in games, movies, and television
Summary
- Explore games curated by indigenous communities at Microsoft
- Watch movies and TV shows produced by the Indigenous communities at Microsoft
Xbox celebrated International Day of the World’s Indigenous People in August this year. touching personal stories about the impact of indigenous player representation, increased visibility in games like Minecraft and Age of Empires, showcasing beautiful custom Xbox controllers designed by indigenous Mexican artisans, and highlighted support Gerald A. Lawson Foundation for Black and Indigenous Students in the # 1 Game Design Program in North America.
As the United States celebrates Native American Heritage Month in November, we are partnering with the Microsoft Indigenous community to highlight games, movies, and TV shows inspired by indigenous creators, culture, and protagonists from around the world on Xbox and Windows. This is part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and improve the quality of content that resonates with communities while raising awareness of their unique perspectives and artistry.
Browse collections in the Microsoft Store on Xbox and the Microsoft Store on Windows in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Visitors can find indigenous selections at any time by searching the Stores for “Indigenous” and related terms. Content availability varies by country.
Explore games curated by indigenous communities at Microsoft
A few moments from the complete Xbox games and Windows games collections covering indigenous peoples creators, game characters, and titles inspired by indigenous culture include:
Never alone – Alaska Native storytellers helped develop this game based on traditional Iñupiat knowledge. Never alone with an Inupiac girl named Nuna and her companion, a polar fox. Players experience the narrative through a series of atmospheric puzzles symbolizing the transmission of wisdom from generation to generation through gathering “cultural ideas” in the harsh Arctic environment. Find out more about creating a game here…
Button City – This cute game was created by Shandiin Yazzi Woodward, an artist called Dyne. Button City focuses on the true power of friendship and the importance of community building. Subliminal Games is dedicated to raising diverse and marginal voices in games and is owned by indigenous peoples.
Tunce – Tunce takes its name from the spirit of the forest in Peruvian legend and from the indigenous expression meaning “fear”. Team up with friends or play alone in this adorable hand drawn roguelike action game. Choose from five unique characters and restore peace to the Amazon rainforest.
Raji: Ancient Epic – Play as Raji, a young girl who is looking for her brother during the war between gods and demons. Set in ancient India, this unique game is inspired by Hindu and Balinese mythology.
Windbound – Uncover the secrets of the Forbidden Isles on your way home to your tribe after a shipwreck as a warrior named Kara in a Polynesian-inspired setting.
Carto – Reflecting long-standing indigenous mapping practices and inspired by multiple tribal cultures, Karto must map the world around her in search of reunification with her grandmother as she travels to new lands.
Mulaka – The action takes place in the breathtaking landscapes of Mexico, Mulaka based on the rich indigenous culture of the Tarahumara people. The player embarks on a journey as Sukuruame (the Tarahumara shaman), solving puzzles in real-world-inspired environments and battling creatures from the Tarahumara mythology.
Lovers in Dangerous Spacetime– This fun co-op couch adventure for one to four players was co-created with indigenous game developer Jamie Tucker. Players fly a spaceship with many stations to navigate through levels and fight bosses.
Aritana and the harpy featherand Aritana and two masks – Developed by Duaik in Brazil, these games bring the wonderful mythology of Brazilian culture and indigenous folklore to life through rainforests, underground caves and gorgeous mountains.
Tell me why – Set in rural Alaska, this game features indigenous characters. The development team worked closely with local tribes and the Hun Heritage Foundation to introduce Tlingit culture. This game includes strong LGBTQIA + themes and a conspicuous intersectional representation.
Watch movies and TV shows produced by the Indigenous communities at Microsoft
Outstanding of complete collection of movies and TV series covering indigenous creators, leads, themes education, history and culture, and family fun include:
“Smoke signals“ – It was the first feature film that was written, directed, produced and starred by Native Americans. The story follows two friends, Victor and Thomas, from the Coeur d’Alene Reservation as they travel to Phoenix, Arizona to collect the ashes of Victor’s father. The film explores personality and complex family relationships.
“The Legend of Korr”- It’s not often that we see a strong, complex and bisexual indigenous woman at the helm of a major animated series. Korra is an avatar, lord of the four elements from the Southern Water Tribe, based on the cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic. The show touches on deep topics of spirituality and mental health, such as PTSD. Korra is also a playable character in the recently released Nickelodeon All-Star Game…
“Moana”- Starring a Hawaiian native and a Samoan supporting actor, this family film celebrates oceanic cultures. In addition to being inspired by Polynesian mythology, the film also features strong women and a powerful soundtrack incorporating the languages of Samoa, Tuvalu and Tokelau into the lyrics.
“Clever man”- Creator Ryan Griffen wanted to create an Australian Aboriginal superhero for his son, and he succeeded! This supernatural thriller is largely based on the Native Australian mythology known as Dreamtime.
“Poems for Young Ghouls”- Written and directed by Jeff Barnaby, who identifies as Micmack, this film tackles the story of Aboriginal child abuse in the Canadian boarding school system from the perspective of a teenage girl.
“Whale rider” A memorable portrayal of Maori culture and history, Whale Rider follows a young girl named Paikea’s struggle to fulfill her destiny in the shadow of her late twin brother. Pai is named after an ancient ancestor who rode a whale.
We work hard and strive to improve the experience of underrepresented communities, as well as increase the representation of diverse creators and content in our ecosystems. Stay tuned for updates in the coming months to find out more as we continue to gain traction!
