Microsoft and its gaming subdivision Xbox have launched a documentary named 'Power On: The Story of Xbox' that looks into the console's 20 year history, along with an Xbox poster for additional promotion. The poster is particularly unique because it is an homage to a part of Xbox's history that, for many users, is better left unremembered. The poster is a simple image: the Xbox 360 power button with three out of the four light bars around it colored red.
This color pattern is also known as the 'Red Ring of Death (RROD),' which is a phenomenon named by Xbox users. This ring appears when an Xbox 360 is broken or 'bricked' to the point where it cannot be used without repairs. The RROD happened to millions of Xbox users and Microsoft reported that this issue cost them over $1 billion in repair costs.
Image Credit: Xbox, Microsoft
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Nostalgic Gaming Memorabilia
- Opportunity to create products that remind consumers of the early days of video gaming, such as posters and merchandise.
- Documentary Marketing
- Opportunity to create promotional material around brand documentaries such as posters.
- Gaming Industry History
- Opportunity to engage with consumers by telling the stories behind iconic brands in the gaming industry.
Where This Applies
- Gaming Merchandise
- Develop collectible items, such as posters and clothing, for video game enthusiasts.
- Marketing
- Create promotional content around brand documentaries and historical moments.
- Entertainment
- Produce more documentaries that chronicle historical moments within the entertainment industry.
