Xbox avatars are getting a wheelchair option following suggestion from Twitter

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.
More in Marketing

AI screenings, budget cuts, and burnout: What’s really behind advertising’s hiring disconnect
The job market has never been easy to navigate. But between tightened marketing budgets, agency consolidation and economic headwinds, the job market is as convoluted as ever.

Cannes Briefing: A guide to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025
Here’s what we can tell you about Cannes Lions 2025 so far.

How PayPal is using Venmo, Honey transactions to win over marketers to its ads business
PayPal, which has offered advertising since October 2024, is going live with a new tool for onsite and offsite advertisers.