To show what a true 4k gaming experience looks and feels like, we brainstormed various ideas around high-fidelity imagery and unique ways to bring them on. One concept resonated above all: "Pixel Threading."
The spot revolves around the concept of pixels bursting out of the console's powerful core, tightly weaving together to create a rich 4k visual experience. With this, we were able to make beautiful sequences featuring iconic game characters, reimagined in 4k.
To create a complete narrative around this concept, we started with the impressive hardware and developed a story tying its raw power into the way it makes gamers feel.
We worked closely with the Microsoft Industrial Design Team to get every detail of the hardware correct. There were so many thoughtful and precise design decisions that went into creating the Xbox One X console– we wanted to ensure those were expressed through the film.
To show what this meant for gamers, we worked with live action director, Michael Chaves. Together, we shot on green screen and built a CG world full of pixels surrounding our gamer. As she activates the controller, the pixels manifest into a massive 4k gaming screen in front of her to create an experience never before seen on a game console.
The animation technique of the film required extensive research and development. Using a blend of intricate particle simulations on top of character animations, the team created a distinct aesthetic to visualize each IP.
Matthew Encina, Creative Director at Blind, explains: “this was unlike anything we've ever done before at Blind. We had to build a skilled team of specialists to experiment with various techniques. We went through test after test until we developed the correct particle systems that made up the unique visual language of the film.”
We worked in complete secrecy on “Project Scorpio” for several months, collaborating with multiple teams across Microsoft, Ayzenberg, and Blind. The film made its debut live at the Xbox E3 2017 Briefing in front of millions of gaming fans across the globe. Blind is proud to be a part of such a significant launch for the Xbox brand. We're happy to be their go-to team three years in a row.
Microsoft Xbox
Craig McNary (Global Integrated Marketing, Microsoft Devices and Studios)
Ayzenberg Group
Gary Goodman (Executive Creative Director, Ayzenberg), Allen Bey (Creative Director, Ayzenberg)
Mehera Bey (VP of Production, Ayzenberg), Tara Cheitlin (Producer, Ayzenberg), Jesica Shipley (Coordinator, Ayzenberg)
Adweek
Matthew Encina
Matthew Encina
Scott Rothstein
John Robson
Jessica Rothstein
Yates Holley
Aaron Knapp, Ryan Kaplan, Ash Wagers, Daniel Zhang, Paul Hargrave, Grace Lee, Juan Carlos Cuadra, Eugene Goryachev, John Robson
Frank Lin, Ash Wagers, Andrew Ashton, Daniel Zhang, Luis “Yosh” Bolivar, John Robson
Lin Wilde
Josh Childers, Ram Bhat, James Levy, Rachelle Moon, John Robson, Matthew Encina, Jaime Van Wart, Sang Chung
Josh Sneider, Matthew Encina, John Robson
Max Forward
Luis Silva
Michael Chaves
Rogers Marquess
Florian Stadler
Christian H. Clark