Role
Creative Director
When new video game consoles launch, consumers just want to pull the system out of the box, hook it up to a TV and start playing with friends. But with so many other services, updates and functionality that are now a part of owning a console, there is a lot that needs to be managed for a user experience to go smoothly. With the Xbox One promising more capabilities and technology than any console in history, Xbox One’s reputation depended on making sure first adopters were satisfied on launch day. Our challenge was to ensure they would become advocates for Xbox One.
Our insight told us that being an early buyer of a console can be a lonely experience, a new console but with no-one to play against. We wanted to prove that there was an entire community of fellow Xbox One gamers out there to connect with. A vibrant group of first adopters just waiting to connect and celebrate Xbox One together.
Client
Microsoft
On the night of the Xbox One launch in Times Square, New York City, we honored our fans for being first adopters. When gamers signed up online and selected a new Xbox One avatar to represent their appearance, their avatars were displayed on one of the most prominent billboards in Times Square with the word “Hi” and their gamertag names.
Using #XboxOne, they posted comments on the console from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Vine that were also displayed as a dynamic mosaic on another board. Fans were also encouraged to sign up and post online and in and around Times Square from their phones, maximising use of all channels. Not only did our display help give this community a prominent outlet for self-expression; it became a recognition of gratitude from Xbox to their fans.
Results
Xbox sold over 1MM units on launch day. On the night of the Xbox One launch in Times Square, New York City, we honored our fans for being first adopters. When gamers signed up online and selected a new Xbox One avatar to represent their appearance, their avatars were displayed on one of the most prominent billboards in Times Square with the word “Hi” and their gamertag names.
Using #XboxOne, they posted comments on the console from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Vine that were also displayed as a dynamic mosaic on another board. Fans were also encouraged to sign up and post online and in and around Times Square from their phones, maximising use of all channels. Not only did our display help give this community a prominent outlet for self-expression; it became a recognition of gratitude from Xbox to their fans.
dynamic #xboxone mosaic
Times square takeover
celebrity appearances
gameplay kiosks
giveaways
cosplay from exclusive launch games
Ryse: Son of Rome Cos-Play in Times Square 2013. Credit Microsoft Press Kit.
