Launch Campaign
The mission: launch the social media accounts for the "Netflix of video games" and make them stand apart from its more traditional father, Xbox.
Given that our target audience would likely already have or, at the very least, be aware of Xbox Game Pass, we wanted the social channels to be a way to celebrate Xbox, its fans, and our love for gaming and pop culture.
Our campaign had two main components: an anthem video and an intricate giveaway on Instagram.
The Giveaway
Text in the Instagram bio directed people to examine one of the images within the grid a little more closely. And from there, people would be directed to additional images within the grid to examine. (We also hid codes to free Game Pass memberships, so we're sure that helped.)
Eventually, the Instagram grid directed people to check out a backdated Facebook post. There, they were presented with a riddle that teased the identities of two forthcoming Xbox Game Pass additions to be announced at gamescom in Cologne, Germany. (It got people solving away on Reddit!)
The backdated post also directed people back to the Instagram grid for the final piece of the hunt: instructions to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a shiny new Xbox One X.
*slaps roof of Xbox One X* This bad boy can fit so many different games in it.
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) August 1, 2018
RT and follow for a chance to win your own. Rules: https://t.co/NSXr4omkiP pic.twitter.com/ts1LhKLyRJ
The Launch Video (above)
The pièce de résistance of our launch. To make sure we set the correct tone and voice for the brand, we knew we had to nail them in our video. So, we combined the best elements of Big Pharma infomercials and stock footage with our love for irreverent Internet humor and, well, it's best if you just check out the video above yourself. Enjoy!
Numbers + Press
Paired with the launch video, the giveaway helped garner over 12,000+ followers on Twitter and 6,000+ on Instagram—organically for both—within the first 12 hours of launch.
And the next day, our video got picked up by some outlets online, which was extremely flattering. The Chief Marketing Officer of Microsoft even mentioned us. Also neat: our launch video got the Silver Distinction at the 11th Annual Shorty Awards!
And now for some samples...
Some people will tell you that a life without material possessions is the key to happiness however these games are digital so major loophole pic.twitter.com/JYgQJ6FpL0
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) January 24, 2019
Imagine this: you find out that Hellblade launches tomorrow. you’re disappointed because you wanted to play it today. but then you wake up - you’re dreaming. the game actually arrives today. in fact it’s already here. please enjoy. pic.twitter.com/yQ9llvVqvj
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) December 17, 2018
Why sit in agony trying to decide which ugly sweater is ironically cooler when you can play some new games pic.twitter.com/pHkcRRo9SJ
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) December 14, 2018
Oh hey, we’re giving away another Xbox One X. All you gotta do:
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) September 4, 2018
1. RT
2. Follow us
3. Win maybe idk
Rules: https://t.co/1BKl0Gs85X #XGPSweeps pic.twitter.com/c6UqPlukgF
Video games are here for you
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) February 25, 2019
We get it, Karen, you’re really talented. pic.twitter.com/TsgQvTNqQa
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) September 13, 2018
Other graveyard sims: *doesn't bother existing*
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) August 31, 2018
Graveyard Keeper:
✓ State-of-the-art 32-bit graphics
✓ Shovel
✓ Stamina bar
✓ A skull you talk to
✓ Oven
✓ Onion rings
✓ Necronomicron
✓ Lots of gathering in general
✓ Cooking too
✓ Family-friendly witch burnings pic.twitter.com/HPW09iAcEA
The pandemic in The Division could’ve been avoided if everyone just washed their hands maybe.
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) August 3, 2018
Relatable tweet about video games
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) February 26, 2019
Above: Having grown up in the 90s watching toy commercials (see: Hot Wheels) set to rock ‘n’ roll and cheesy lines, I had an absolute blast scripting this spot for “GRIP”.Hey friends. Wanted you to know that GRIP: Combat Racing's rolling out today for your gaming pleasure. Please enjoy. pic.twitter.com/UmdyPdoyUC
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) November 6, 2018
Imagine, if you will, that you’re this turkey. You peek out from the car, marveling at all the November games you now get to play. Meanwhile, your owner glances back through the rearview mirror, a grin on their face knowing how perfectly absurd it is there's a turkey in the back. pic.twitter.com/m33wtaG6Ix
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) November 11, 2018
Couldn’t find the audio track when making this, so had to improvise. pic.twitter.com/P02RxJS0rE
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) September 11, 2018
“Hitman” is an anagram for “Math In”.
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) August 7, 2018
Math in(volves numbers).
So do barcodes—just like the one on Agent 47’s head.
Coincidence? We think not. pic.twitter.com/P5eto19XsU