Turning a lifelong passion into a career and paving the way for the next generation of Latinx creators in the gaming industry

The $180B gaming market shows no signs of slowing down, and as its steady growth reaches unprecedented heights, diversity remains at the forefront within the space. Latinx are avid video game players, outpacing the general market in usage, purchases, and technology adoption; they are 32% more likely than non-Latinx to consider video games their main source of entertainment and 54% more likely to buy a video game the day it’s released than non-Latinx gamers.

Here are the stories of Fernando Reyes Medina and Danny Peña, two Latinx creators who have successfully turned a lifelong passion for gaming into a career. Xbox has played a role in these individuals’ journeys as game developers, content creators and streamers, and as their followings grow, so has their desire to use their respective platforms to elevate the Latinx community and promote cultural appreciation and representation across the industry.

Gaming has been a part of Danny Peña’s life for as long as he can remember. From his early years in New York City, to the time he’s spent in the Dominican Republic with his extended family over the years, to his life in Los Angeles now, gaming has always been there in one way or another. And since the beginning, Danny knew it was much more than a hobby. He is a pioneer by every definition. He has paved the way not just for Latinx in the gaming space, but for all those who look to gaming as a source of inspiration, creativity, and community. Now, with a career that spans more than two decades, he’s not only a gamer and podcaster, he’s also an avid public speaker and mentor, whose personal and professional trajectory demonstrates that Latinxs can achieve whatever they set their minds to, and anything is possible. Click here to learn more about Danny and his journey.

Fernando Reyes Medina is a multi-award-winning game designer currently working at 343 Industries, the Microsoft studio that creates Halo games, designing and bringing to life the new multiplayer suite of experiences for the upcoming Halo Infinite.  Originally from Mexico, he is the co-founder and the Latin America Director for Latinx in Gaming, a non-profit focused around improving Latinx representation and helping the community be successful in the gaming industry.  Fernando has previously been recognized by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) as part of their Breakthrough USA program, member of the Forbes under 30 Class of 2022, selected as Future Class member by The Game Awards and as a Next Gen Leader by the IGDA.

For him, the future of gaming is one where Latinx creators and those from all over the world are enabled and empowered to develop unique games, telling their own stories with their own voices, showing the true potential of gaming as an art medium and as a storytelling tool. Click here to learn more about Fernando and his career trajectory.