Microsoft Just Advertised Xbox Using Earth’s Mightiest Billboard

Microsoft has taken over the LED display of Las Vegas’ gargantuan Sphere arena to create an Xbox-themed light show that dominated the city skyline.

The Las Vegas Sphere has contributed its fair share of viral moments since its inaugural show in July, during which it illuminated its 580,000 square foot ‘Exosphere’ with a spectacular light show. Since then, Earth’s mightiest billboard has manifested a plethora of spectacles to amaze and annoy the residents of the Nevada metropolis.

It was only right to display the power of dreams here #PowerYourDreams #XboxSphere pic.twitter.com/ToXr2o72d4

— Xbox (@Xbox) October 20, 2023

Among the visual offering has been a menacing pumpkin, a spectacular fireworks show, a basketball, and, of course, a vast and unsettling human eye. The interior meanwhile is capable of seating close to 20,000 people, and is designed to host live musical performances and intense audiovisual shows.

Earlier this week, Microsoft became the latest company to harness the awesome advertising power of the Sphere to execute an Xbox publicity stunt of epic proportions, which showcased a range of existing and upcoming first and third-party titles, along with its Series X|S consoles. Both Starfield, and Forza Motorsport featured prominently on the Exosphere display, as did Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, and CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077.

When I first saw the sphere i said that would be crazy good for Xbox advertising. It’s the logo essentially, why wouldn’t it be? But never did I think they would do it.

This is brilliant marketing. Love it.1 https://t.co/Iz4nDM4o9Z

— Gavin Stevens 🍕 (@GTS_Tweets) October 20, 2023

The Sphere in Las Vegas is very Cyberpunk tonight thanks to Xbox. 🤩 Video games are cool! pic.twitter.com/dv85DZkz5w

— Radek 🕹️ TwitchCon (@gamebowski) October 20, 2023

The views tonight at the TwitchCon Xbox Mixer featuring the Vegas Sphere #Starfield 🚀 🤩 pic.twitter.com/M41PRSks5T

— Cami 🔙 @ TwitchCon (@CAMIF0RNIAA) October 20, 2023

The light show followed Microsoft’s tumultuous yet ultimately successful acquisition of Activision Blizzard following a lengthy legal battle with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which had previously sought to block the deal out of fear it could harm competitiveness in cloud gaming.

It also happened to coincide with the launch of Spider-Man 2 on PlayStation 5, and the North American TwitchCon 2023 event, which is currently unfolding in the Las Vegas Convention Centre just a few miles away from the Sphere.

Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer