Microsoft partners with Companions in Courage to give
young patients an outlet for games and chat via private Xbox LIVE network.
The Companions in Courage Foundation is
a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting
children and families who are overcoming
life-threatening obstacles.
Microsoft is supplying hundreds of Xbox 360 game
kiosks to playrooms in children?s hospitals across
the United States, intended to provide a respite for
young patients and be a catalyst for fun. In addition
to select games, movies and television content, the
Xbox 360 kiosks will provide access to a private
network that allows hospitalized children across the
U.S. to play games and chat in a safety-enhanced
environment over Xbox LIVE.
The customized and hospital-friendly Xbox 360 kiosks
are pre-loaded with a variety of Y-rated TV programs,
G-rated movies, games rated E and E10+, as well as
Xbox 360 Headset and Xbox LIVE Vision Camera
capabilities, which enable patients to communicate
over a dedicated Xbox LIVE network. This network,
created just for Xbox 360 kiosks and consoles in
children?s hospitals, allows patients to play games
over Xbox LIVE, but limits chat via voice, text and
video to only those children playing from select
hospitals across the country. The parental controls
on Xbox 360, known as Family Settings, will be used
to help restrict access to content outside ratings
parameters, as well as the times during which
patients can use the kiosks or consoles.