Xbox One “Invitation” Ad

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We’ve all been talking about the ‘console wars’ for some time now.  Since June, there has been a lot of criticism over the next gen consoles and where they stand in comparison.  However, we haven’t seen many ads other than the ones presented that E3 giving a general overview of the consoles’ features.  Today, Microsoft released their first major ad for the Xbox One.  That is, it’s the first major ad that focuses on the console as for gaming along with general entertainment, not just NFL.  The ad is call, “Xbox One: Invitation.”

The ad shows a couple of gamers at work, at a soccer (football) game, and studying in a library.  They are then greeted by a character from a future-release title, inviting him/her to join them.  Microsoft is trying to show that it’s not just a gadget for your TV but is also a gaming console.  They did put in their obligatory “Skype call while watching TV” moment, though.  The focus of the commercial is on Ryse: Son of Rome, Titanfall, Forza Motorsport 5, and Dead Rising 3 though.

This new commercial is reportedly going to be the kick off to a $100 million ad campaign, which is rumored to start during this weekend’s Sunday Night Football.  The general manager of consumer marketing, Robert Matthews, released this statement with the new ad campaign,

“To celebrate the launch of Xbox One we have designed one of our most integrated and comprehensive global campaigns ever.  The campaign is a celebration of our fans – an invitation to a new generation of games and entertainment.  And it showcases experiences that only Xbox One can deliver”

This is alongside Xbox One’s 75 major U.S City Tour where the console will be showcased for a hands-on experience before the release.  Microsoft tripped out of the gate during E3 and has a ways to go before it catches up to Sony’s PS4 in terms of sales and gamer respect.  Let’s hope this campaign does the trick.