Minecraft Gets Woman Main Character on Consoles

Alongside news today that the PlayStation versions of Minecraft are getting The Simpsons DLC this week, developer Mojang has also announced plans for a diversity-themed update for all console editions of the popular sandbox game.

Currently, Minecraft players on console can choose only the blue-shirted male character Steve when they start a new game. However, a new update coming to the PlayStation and Xbox versions of Minecraft this week will let people select a new character, a woman named Alex.

"Jolly old Steve doesn't really represent the diversity of our playerbase," Mojang developer Owen Hill said. "For that reason, we're giving all players opportunity to play with an Alex skin instead. She brings thinner arms, redder hair, and a ponytail."

Alex skins, which were already available in the PC version of Minecraft, will come to consoles for free via a new game update this Wednesday, April 29.