Super Bowl Champ: Microsoft’s “We All Win” Commercial

Keepin’ it 100 with Willy T

For a Super Bowl that set a record-low in points, not all was lost for me on Sunday. As a college graduate from the field of public relations, I grew up analyzing Super Bowl Ads to the highest degree (in class and just for fun). I grew a major fascination for it, and since then I’ve always enjoyed the mystery of the SB commercials just as much as the mystery of the game’s outcome.

This year, the ad that stood above and beyond the rest was Microsoft’s “We All Win” commercial that promoted their new Xbox Adaptive Controller.

I urge you to take a moment and watch the commercial, which “illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to building accessible technology that levels the playing field and creates opportunity for all of us.” (Microsoft).

(If Owen stood out to you, it’s because he starred in Microsoft’s commercial released around Christmas that first promoted the product. I’ll link it at the end of the blog.)

You can tell from his introduction alone that Owen is charismatic, witty, and inspirational. At 00:59, he exclimates his excitement that, thanks to this controller, “now everyone can play!”

His dad, though, brings it home with his emotional take on his son being included.

“One of our biggest fears early on was ‘How will Owen be viewed by the other kids?’
...
He’s not different when he plays.”

Let’s keep it 100, fam… THIS is what it’s all about. Thank you Microsoft for helping us all play. Thank you Owen, Grover, Sean, Ian, and Taylor for reminding us that when we all play, we all win.

Peace, Love, and Inclusion,

Will Trent, MS

A “creative” who found his way using camera and a few design programs. Social Media Guru. Basketball Fanatic. Aspires to be “Tom Haverford” from Parks and Recreation.

Additional Resources:
Microsoft’s 2018 Holiday Ad: Reindeer Games (featuring Owen):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v70Fu2WU8-w

More information about Microsoft’s Adaptive Xbox Controller:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fcK19CAjWM