Xbox Releases Free Backgrounds Created By Artists From Diverse Walks Of Life
Microsoft’s Xbox has unleashed a vibrant spectrum of dynamic wallpapers, honoring diversity and inclusivity. To snag these, you won’t even need a Game Pass subscription.
Recently spotted by The Verge’s Tom Warren, the Xbox Celebrates collection—meant to commemorate the year 2023—shines a spotlight on cultural heritage and awareness months, including International Day of World’s Indigenous People, Hispanic Heritage Month, Pride, Black History Month, International Women’s Day, and Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Microsoft has released 7 new Xbox Dynamic Backgrounds for Xbox Series S / X owners. They're part of the "Xbox Celebrates" series from 2023 pic.twitter.com/5vyfOko8Gv
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) January 31, 2024
For those eager to jazz up their consoles, these backgrounds are an easy adjustment away. Simply press the Xbox button on your controller, navigate through the settings to the Personalization section, and select the Dynamic Backgrounds tab to find your new favorite backdrop. While most of these designs (there’s a fresh one from 2024 that we’ll get to later) were unraveled last year, they’ll certainly work to brighten up your tech candy for 2024 and beyond.
It was the theme used to honor Hispanic Heritage Month for 2023.
— Robert J. (@Ok_Cabbage) February 1, 2024
Among these is a Pride Month background designed by Ari Liloan, a Filipino-Italian illustrator based in Berlin. Liloan’s creation, themed “unapologetic,” features a knot of ribbons in an iridescent texture that reimagines the classic rainbow flag, symbolizing the unity and multifaceted nature of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Artwork by Ari Liloan for Xbox
To spotlight people with disabilities, Xbox enlisted Danielle Taphanel, a disabled, non-binary, Filipino-Latino artist, who reimagined the Xbox logo to reflect the resilience and diversity of gamers with special needs. Taphanel’s illustration, inspired by a blooming desert, encapsulates the strength and interconnectedness of disabled individuals.
Artwork by Danielle Taphanel for Xbox
Adding to the collection, Isip Xin, an NYC-based artist, crafted a piece for Asian and Pacific Islander Month, using water imagery to convey the interconnectedness and diversity of the API community. Xin’s creation emphasizes the role of gaming in fostering environments where narratives and identities can flourish.
The latest addition, released just this week to mark Black History Month in 2024, is a colorful rendition of the Xbox emblem by Dominique Ramsey. Embodying African textiles and the Ghanaian Kente cloth, this background carries a message of hope and unity, highlighting the richness within the Black community. The artwork also appears as a vinyl in Forza Horizon 5, allowing players to customize their virtual cars with symbols of cultural pride.
Artwork by Dominique Ramsey for Xbox
Through these dynamic backdrops, Xbox is not just enhancing the visual appeal of its consoles but is also advocating for a more inclusive gaming community and inviting gamers to embrace their roots.
A total of 7 new dynamic dashboard backgrounds were just released to help Xbox celebrate and recognize various causes, communities, and contributions.
— Patrick Maka (@PMaka1991) February 1, 2024
Check them out! pic.twitter.com/NumOi3AV6X
[via GAMINGbible and Game Rant, images via various sources]
