Xbox is Encouraging Players to be 'Hero From Home' | Game Rant
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, companies and individuals within gaming circles have begun donating to relief efforts and organizations looking for a cure. One such individual is Master Chief's voice actor Steve Downes, who is donating his April proceeds from recording personal messages to Project C.U.R.E. The console responsible for publishing Halo also announced a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) donation drive Friday that is available to Xbox One users.
The benefit was elaborated on by Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Will Tuttle, who said the "new and easy way to contribute" is Xbox's response to those who are looking to help through "the activities and passions" they're doing while homebound. Microsoft Rewards members can offer up the points they have accrued through a CDC Foundation button on the Xbox One's dashboard, and Microsoft will match every 1,000 points with a $1 donation.
According to the post, some of the more common ways for players to accumulate Microsoft Rewards include playing new games and completing quests through Xbox Game Pass, renting or purchasing content through the Microsoft Movies & TV app, and shopping on the Microsoft Store. The drive through Xbox One is part of Microsoft's larger "Give With Bing" initiative that has also supported organizations like The Nature Conservancy and the Special Olympics.
While companies like Nintendo have directly donated supplies or money to support efforts responding to the coronavirus pandemic, Xbox's use of Microsoft Rewards crowdfunds the process in a way that seems to do exactly what it sets out to do: Giving regular people a more accessible way to help. Tuttle even talks about a "Do Your Part From Home" punch card that is available to earn players more points for a limited time.
As the world grinds to a halt due to enforced social distancing meant to "flatten the curve" and stem the spread of disease, it's unclear exactly how the impending launch of next-generation consoles will be affected. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has said there are no plans to put the safety of Microsoft employees at risk, but the Xbox Series X has not yet been officially delayed.
The push for donations to help fight coronavirus is admirable and practically ubiquitous. Every day it seems more and more people are coming out to support the cause, with some like Plague Inc. developer Ndemic Creations even working directly with the World Health Organization.
Sources: Xbox Wire, CDC Foundation, Give with Bing
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