How Top Brands Will Use Kinect for Xbox 360
Microsoft Advertising says that companies are bringing their brands to Kinect for Xbox 360, the new controller-free gaming and entertainment experience that responds to body movement.
Chevrolet, Sprint and T-Mobile USA Inc. will each launch respective ad campaigns throughout the Kinect console experience, “Kinect Sports,” “Kinect Adventures” and “Kinect Joy Ride” game titles.
Also Read:
What Social Networkers Say about Your Brands
Tell me God What This Ad is Trying to Do
Zune Going Global with Multiscreen Entertainment
Netflix Enters Canada to Show Internet Movies
“With Kinect for Xbox 360, we are removing the last barrier to interactive television — the controller,” said Mark Kroese, general manager of the Interactive Entertainment Advertising Business Group at Microsoft.
Advertising campaigns will commence with the North America launch of Kinect on Nov. 4:
Chevrolet. Chevrolet is the first automaker to launch a multiscreen ad campaign that allows consumers to test-drive Chevrolet vehicles in “Kinect Joy Ride,” the first controller-free racing game from Microsoft Game Studios.
When Kinect for Xbox 360 launches this fall, consumers will have the opportunity to take the test-drive concept to a new level by driving the Chevrolet Volt in “Kinect Joy Ride.”
Also, after viewing the video advertisement in-dash on Xbox LIVE or on the Web, consumers will be able to unlock and download Chevrolet Cruze, Camaro and Corvette cars to drive in the game.
Chevrolet will then kick off the new year with an ad campaign in the Kinect Hub showcasing the same vehicles.
Sprint. This fall, Sprint is sponsoring the launch of “Kinect Adventures” with a co-branded retail experience on Xbox LIVE and a sponsored contest in which “Kinect Adventures” players have the chance to get their pictures featured on Xbox LIVE.
Consumers attending New York Comic Con can play “Kinect Adventures” at the Sprint booth.
T-Mobile. T-Mobile is taking advantage of the immersive user experience in “Kinect Sports” with fixed product placement throughout the games including volleyball net signage, custom bowling balls and foam fingers held by the arena audience.
T-Mobile is further supporting the game title through a sponsorship on the Xbox 360 console.
Xbox members can visit a website on the dashboard to access exclusive video content and participate in the first launch weekend Play & Win contest with prizes including Family Gold memberships.
Also, during the holidays T-Mobile will support “Kinect Sports” Play & Win programs with two Xbox Family Game Nights in November and January.
The Kinect platform, according to Microsoft, provides a new way for brands to connect with consumers by enabling them to physically explore and engage with branded content through voice and gesture.
Formerly called “Project Natal,” Kinect for Xbox 360 delivers a new way to play, with controller-free games and entertainment.
A special sensor recognizes players and responds to their movements and gestures. Kinect can also take pictures during gameplay, which players will be able to upload to their favorite social sites when the game ends.
Microsoft Advertising provides advertisers and publishers with media, tools and services designed to ensure engagement with their audiences. This includes a global media network of Microsoft properties such as MSN, Windows Live, Xbox LIVE, and partner properties such as WSJ.com and Verizon.
Microsoft made the announcement today, Sept. 27.
Photo courtesy: Microsoft
