Microsoft opted for a very original marketing strategy to promote the Xbox console, building a playable version of the X Series that resembles a huge crocodile. Only one of these custom consoles has been created, and you can get it by participating in a contest. Although Microsoft did not mention GTA 6 directly or Rockstar Games in its ad, marketing manager Josh Munsee described the system as "puren Miami vibes", a clear reference to the city of Vice City, setting of GTA VI. The winner will be able to play “some of the most important games of the year”, a further mention of the outgoing title. Microsoft's announcement also refers to the arrival of Xbox in Florida, describing the place as "a home of incredible wildlife, unforgettable places and stories worth seeing". The X-Bite console, about 150 cm long, presents the Xbox Series X console inside the crocodile, with the Nexus/Guide button illuminated through the skin of the animal. The winner will also receive a custom controller with simulated bite marks. The console was created by John Nolan Studio, an animated specialist for projects such as The Witcher and Jurassic World Dominion. Microsoft states that the crocodile used is not a real animal and that “no crocodile has actually been used or damaged” in the creation of the console, estimating its value to about $800. To participate in the competition, interested parties must follow Xbox on X, Instagram or TikTok, publish the contest post again with the hashtag #XbiteSweepstakes and have a public account. The competition will end on 10 November. The winner, selected randomly, will have 48 hours to respond to the selection. The public campaign of the console is part of the marketing strategies dedicated to the launch of GTA VI, which also includes a limited edition DualSense controller inspired by the game and trailer in which it is stated that "the game plays better on PS5". The initial sales of GTA VI on Xbox Series X|S (approximately 2 million copies) are lower than those reached on PlayStation 5 (5.75 million copies), but Microsoft does not seem to worry about the top selling rhythm of the Sony console. VERDETTO: CRITICO La decisione di Microsoft di lanciare un coccodrillo gigante come elemento centrale della campagna pubblicitaria per GTA VI è, francamente, ridicola. L’associazione con Vice City e “puren Miami vibes” è così esplicita da risultare prevedibile, quasi banale. Il fatto che il sistema sia stato definito un “giozo di incredibili fauna selvatica” dalla fonte interna suggerisce una mancanza di originalità e un tentativo goffo di creare hype attorno a un prodotto che, dal trailer, mostra già un potenziale enorme. L’utilizzo di un’animatronic realizzata da John Nolan Studio, specialista in progetti come The Witcher e Jurassic World Dominion, aggiunge un elemento di artificiosità che non si addice al genere open-world di Rockstar Games. Il valore stimato di 800 dollari per la console X-Bite sottolinea ulteriormente l’eccesso della mossa, trasformando il concorso in una lotteria costosa e poco coinvolgente rispetto alla vera attrazione del gioco stesso. La scelta di concentrarsi esclusivamente sulla Florida come fonte d'ispirazione, piuttosto che esplorare altre ambientazioni potenziali all'interno del mondo di Vice City, sembra un'opportunità persa.
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