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.