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Creative Award
New York, United States
Xbox 360 - "A hero never dies" by ANDY Awards 2008

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TitleA hero never dies
Agency
Campaign Halo: Heroic Story Telling (Believe) - Xbox 360
Advertiser Microsoft
Brand Xbox 360
PostedJune 2009
Product Halo 3
Business Sector Video Games/Consoles
Story SUMMARY:

The series was launched in 2002 with “Halo: Combat Evolved”. 2004 saw the launch of Halo 2, which became the most played game on Xbox LIVE, Xbox’s online gaming property. The game has gathered a hard core following of fans over the years, known affectionately as the Halo Nation. Halo 3’s ‘Believe’ is a landmark campaign for 21st century integrated marketing communications, where media and creative have been combined across numerous channels to tell an epic story.


Starting with phase 1 - “Believe” for the Halo Nation –, it was necessary to build momentum and create a buzz in the pre-launch phase. A teaser spot was aired a year before launch which ran only once on TV in the 5 key EMEA markets. With internet promotion preceding the spot making it an appointment to view, it was simulcast live on xbox.com across the region in parallel to the TV airing.


Phase 2 followed by bringing to life the Museum of Humanity which meant being smart with media. Cinema and TV were employed for an epic, emotional launch of the concept and Internet for further reach, engaging long format films and interactive content.


The final phase before launch was focused on maximising buzz, noise and hype in the market with the key launch window at retail: long format AV and outdoor, online and print media, to roadblock the weeks in the run up to the title hitting shelves.

Simultaneously, a huge PR and events push drove unprecedented editorial column inches, throughout mainstream as well as specialist press, and ensured that the whole world was excited about the Halo 3 launch. The night before launch, celebrity film style premiere parties were held, linked to Xbox LIVE and to streaming on xbox.com.


The first hint of success was when pre‐orders for the game passed 1 million deposits across EMEA, before the game was even on shelves. By the end of the year, EMEA’s to‐date sales were at 1.8 million – a full 20% ahead of the total year’s target. This meant another 600,000 Halo Believers. The mission was to achieve the highest opening day sales ever recorded. Global opening day sales were recorded at £84m. This made it easily the longest 24 hours of revenue in entertainment history, at 110% of the old Spiderman 3 record. By the end of the first week, £150m had been collected in total – another record.
Media Type Print
Market Sweden, United Kingdom, Spain
AI Description The image depicts a heroic figure, fully armored, standing prominently against the backdrop of a colorful sky transitioning from twilight to sunrise. The hero, reminiscent of futuristic warriors, holds a distinctive weapon, emphasizing readiness and courage. Above the figure, the words "A hero never dies" are inscribed, reinforcing the timeless nature of heroism. Below, the iconic Halo 3 branding, along with the familiar Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE logos, ties the visual to the celebrated video game franchise. The overall composition exudes an epic and dramatic atmosphere, symbolizing hope, endurance, and the eternal spirit of heroism.