Xbox avatars are getting a wheelchair option following suggestion from Twitter

By Digiday • July 5, 2016 •

Not everyone can claim to feel represented by their Xbox avatar, but it’s getting a whole lot closer.

Microsoft revealed that new wheelchair characters will soon be an option for Xbox Live following a user suggestion on Twitter. “Hey @XboxP3 I’m pretty serious– depending on how skeletons are done on avatars, wheelchairs might be relatively simple and the #rightthing,” someone asked.

Another fan asked if they considered started a petition, but Microsoft’s Phil Spencer jumped in and said that wasn’t necessary since the brand is already working on the option.

He tweeted this:

@goldennike11 @SeamusBlackley No petition needed, we hear you. This is something that we’ve already looked at, not far off.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) July 4, 2016

An Xbox developer even gave the fans a sneak peek at what the new players will look like:

@XboxP3 @goldennike11 @SeamusBlackley Sneak peek… pic.twitter.com/szoTUGR6ef

— ike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) July 5, 2016

The tweets drew a positive response from Xbox fans, praising the employees for including the wheelchair avatars:

@XboxQwik @XboxP3 @goldennike11 @SeamusBlackley so proud to be a @Xbox user seeing the company’s commitment to inclusion in so many ways.

— Ryan Russell (@xryanrussellx) July 5, 2016

@XboxQwik @XboxP3 @goldennike11 @SeamusBlackley The #Xbox team just does such great work.Listening to the fans.For the gamers

— ickGamesOz (@mickg1681) July 5, 2016

@XboxQwik @XboxP3 @goldennike11 @SeamusBlackley hey seriously thank you guys for this. It is very incredible that you are doing this

— Chris Valentino (@T00muchF00D) July 5, 2016

No word on when the new avatars will roll out, so to speak. Xbox is the major gaming platform to be inclusive because Playstation and Nintendo don’t offer wheelchair options on its avatars. Also, Microsoft joins a growing list of brands, like Lego and Tommy Hilfiger, in becoming inclusive to disabilities.