Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Windows Central
Windows Central
Technology
Michael Hoglund

"Xbox's new ad campaign is disruptive by design." An advertising expert breaks down Microsoft's controversial 'This is an Xbox' marketing blitz.

Parody of Microsoft's "this is an Xbox" campaign featuring a toaster.

The atmosphere of Xbox is looking quite different with every passing year. Three years ago, we were all freaking out over Starfield becoming exclusive. Two years ago, fans wanted the largest acquisition in all gaming to be passed so they could enjoy Activision and Blizzard titles on Game Pass. This year, Microsoft says that it wants to redefine Xbox fans as they're being told an Xbox is no longer the only Xbox.

"This is an Xbox" campaign launched last month, and it destabilized the status quo. The new advertisement launch put a referendum on gamers on what an Xbox truly was. For years, an Xbox has been an Xbox, right? Today, that means either the monolithic Xbox Series X or the cutesy Xbox Series S. Now, it seems to be anything with a TV screen and internet connection.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.