Minecraft adds female player avatars to all console versions
"Jolly old Steve doesn't really represent the diversity of our playerbase."
Minecraft now includes a range of default female avatar options on PlayStation 3, 4, Vita, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
The eight new skins offer a range of different skin and hair colours, clothing and costume styles.
Each is named Alex, as a counterpart to the default male avatar Steve.
The range was added via a new software update for all platforms overnight (Alex is already available in Minecraft on PC).
"When most players begin their Minecraft adventure there aren't many looks to choose from. In fact, you only get to play as our blue-shirted friend," Mojang's Owen Hill explained in a recent blog post. "Now, everyone loves Steve - he's probably the most famous minecrafter in the world, and has excellent stubble.
"But jolly old Steve doesn't really represent the diversity of our playerbase. 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; she actually looks a bit like [fellow Mojang employee] Jens from certain angles."
The update also added 600 Gamerscore's worth of Achievements for Minecraft's mega-popular Xbox 360 edition - the extra awards that were added for Xbox One - bringing the 360 version's total up to a round 1000G.
