It's Black History Month, which means companies are doing their best to show how inclusive and negative to the Black cause they really are. Halo Infinite Studio 343 Industries' attempt to celebrate BHM is kicking on social media.
Don't confuse it. We know there was good will in 343 Industries' effort to celebrate Black History Month by introducing body armor to commemorate the annual celebration of Black excellence.
But, man, we understand why jokes go overboard.
Players can now add bold green, gold and crimson colors, commonly associated with African country flags, as well as kente cloth, the traditional fabric of West Africa as a pattern on their Spartan armor.
To announce the new Black History Month-inspired shaders, the Halo account on X, formerly Twitter, released a photo of a Spartan with all the custom shaders, which didn't land well.
Immediately, comparisons to A-Train, the only black superhero on The Seven in the hit Amazon Prime series, The boyspress schedules.
In that particular episode, Jessie T. Usher's character took on an African-themed super suit to gain Black approval, but 343 Industries' effort wasn't quite as outrageous in terms of hilarity. However, you still can't see it, especially when you compare A-Train's suit.
The Verge's Ash Parrish confirmed that with her timely response to Halo account tweets.
Other Xbox initiatives inspired by BLM
The announcement of Halo Infinite shaders inspired by Black History Month was just one small part of a larger initiative that Xbox announced to celebrate BHM.
The Microsoft-owned company announced a partnership with developer Gameheads and other amazing Black History Month initiatives.
- Announcement of cooperation with Game to showcase games created by students (aged 11-25) that have been through the Gameheads game development program. Gameheads is a California-based nonprofit organization that uses game design and development to engage, prepare, and educate low-income youth and youth of color for careers in the video game and technology industries. See the games and how you can play them here.
- As part of the partnership, Xbox also made a donation to Gameheads to support their commitment to diversify the gaming industry pipeline and empower the next generation of game developers.
- Sharing a collection of games available on Xbox made for and by the Black community; including sempowering Black game developers from the ID@Xbox Developer Accelerator Program who, with the support of Xbox, are increasing Black representation and amplifying underrepresented voices in the games they create.
- Encouraging players to donate Microsoft Rewards points to both Gameheads and/or Cxmmunity.
- Sharing Xbox Ambassador stories, including their tips on how to stay safe while playing games and more!
With a heading hereyou can learn more about how Xbox and Gamesheads are working together to amplify black voices in the gaming industry.
Still, Xbox, you'll get these jokes. You can see more reactions to the Blackety, Black Spartan armor in the gallery below.