It’s been a tough year to find holiday spirit but this commercial–directed by Noam Murro of Biscuit Filmworks–in the “Find Your Joy” campaign from McCann New York provides a dose of hope and positivity through the many ways Microsoft can help us stay connected and have some fun. “A Dog’s Dream” tells the story of Rufus, a canine who can’t physically be with his best bud, but through his dreams can experience the joy of togetherness and friendship. Together, they go on an epic adventure into the worlds of Minecraft, Halo, Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Flight Simulator, just like the people in Rufus’ life.
People–and dogs–can indeed “find their joy” even without being together physically. Friends and family can “see you out there” in many imaginary and virtual ways.
The campaign also facilitates the opportunity for people to literally experience as much of what is in the spot as possible. Rufus’ doggy dream world will be available to explore in Minecraft, for example. The team at Blockworks has released Dogtopia as a free download available from Minecraft Marketplace and for Java. Run through a colorful bone-shaped forest, where bacon grows on trees and there are never any fleas. This world will be complete with doggie hot air balloons, a mountaintop dog mansion, a fire hydrant fountain, a doggie Mount Rushmore and so much more.
In mid-December, Flight Simulator will be decorating 12 cities around the globe with holiday lights and magic, a holiday scavenger hunt for every Flight Simulator pilot to enjoy. Also, closer to Christmas, planes that the dogs flew in the ad will be available for Flight Simulator players to fly themselves.
“This year more the ever,” said Kathleen Hall, CVP, brand, advertising and research for Microsoft, “we felt that it was important to give people a little lift, to remind them that while we are facing a lot of challenges, there are many ways we can connect, be productive and enjoy the time we have at home.”
