Microsoft is targeting its Xbox pre-orderers, at least a few who have been invited to a very special console handover as part of a cooperation between retailer Otto and Microsoft. The surprised fans became part of the live-action pranks leading up to the launch of the Xbox Series X | S were shot as "one-shot-only" films. The focus was on the worlds of Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Gears of War.
Imagine you unsuspectingly want to pick up your pre-ordered Xbox Series X - and suddenly you're faced with a horde of Vikings. For an Xbox fan, this became a reality. And Microsoft also made fun of two other community members. Fortunately, those who pre-ordered did not have to face the situations alone: “Maul Cosplay”, which is familiar from fan films like “Star Wars – the Apprentice”, “Assassin's Creed – the Hunt” and his interpretations of “The Witcher”.
Joy on the console - then comes the "prank"
A console handover that turns into a Viking ritual for the Assassins. A taxi that is taken over by a Locust. And a ride in the Cyberpunk 2077 Porsche 911 Turbo that ends in an action-packed mission. These three things surprised the winners of an Otto competition after they found out about theirs at the retailer Xbox Series X had pre-ordered. The fans were fooled into driving to a supposed press event to be able to receive the console on site before the official launch. And then came the "prank".
Instead of meeting company spokespersons, the fans were surprised at the hotel arrival and completely unsuspecting in a live-action film with none other than Maul Cosplay, who spent months creating the costumes for Eivor from Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Marcus Fenix from Gears of War and V created by Cyberpunk 2077. At the side of these heroes, fans could experience some of the most popular next-gen titles in the Xbox universe live.
The special feature: All three sequences, i.e. live fights and especially live stunts, were filmed with a single one-shot shoot and hidden cameras. From the beginning to the end. But better see for yourself:
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In Gears of War, a fan is picked up by a taxi at the hotel without realizing that a Locust is storming the taxi in the middle of the journey to overwhelm the driver and usurp the wheel. But what would a car scene be without a car chase? Because shortly afterwards, Marcus Fenix shows up in a pick-up to save the fan. The hunt ends in a real fist fight and lots of broken pieces.
The Assassin's Creed Valhalla the fan finds a Viking horn and a piece of paper with his name on the bed: He may blow the horn if he is the chosen one. And suddenly Vikings knock on the door ...
In Cyberpunk 2077, the leading role picks up the winner on a mission in a historic Porsche 911 Turbo. The goal is to conquer an Arasaka base, which is, however, heavily guarded. There it was action-packed with hand grenades, baseball bats and martial arts. After taking apart all of the Arasaka agents, they take back the Xbox Series X.
There are sure to be more relaxed ways to pick up your pre-ordered next-gen console - but there are probably few more memorable. At Xbox, the marketing machinery is in full swing.
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