Microsoft’s Holiday Ad ‘Reindeer Games’ Illustrates the Power of Inclusive Gaming

Set to a unique adaptation of the holiday classic “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, Microsoft presents: Reindeer Games. The inspirational story features nine (and a half)-year-old Owen rising to the top of his game with the support of all of his friends-including his real-life best friend Gunnar-and a little help from the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Owen has Escobar Syndrome, which limits his mobility, but does nothing to reduce his passion for gaming.

We watch as his friends gather to cheer him on as word spreads of his impending achievement. The moment of joy experienced by the children celebrating together when Owen wins the game reminds us of the spirit of the holiday season and illustrates Microsoft’s overall mission to create accessible technology that levels the playing field and creates opportunity for all of us. Because, as the ad’s endline says: “when everybody plays, we all win.”

Owen is very passionate about gaming and regularly posts personal reviews of games and advice for other young gamers to his YouTube channel.

The campaign will launch on NBC during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 22nd. 

Designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a unified hub for devices that helps make gaming more accessible. Input from the community has helped shape the design, functionality, and packaging of the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Through connecting external devices such as switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks, any user can create a custom controller experience that is uniquely theirs.