This Special Needs Super Bowl Ad Will Leave You In Tears
The Super Bowl is one of America’s most beloved sporting events. Every year, hundreds of millions gather to watch the game. And while some tune in for, well, football, others simply want to watch the commercials. Let’s be real: the indulgent, over-the-top spots are a treat. But not every commercial needs a celeb or slapstick-style gimmick to garner attention: one of the best and most powerful Super Bowl ads this year featured children with special needs. Why? To promote acceptance and inclusion, of course. Aww.
The commercial, produced by Microsoft, focused on the stories of several young video gamers, including Grover, Sean, Taylor, Ian and Owen. The children all have physical and/or limb differences which make using a video game controller a challenge so Microsoft created a new, adaptive play controller which allows kids with mobility differences to play the same way as that of their peers.
In the video’s description, the company wrote, “When technology empowers each of us, it empowers all of us. This Super Bowl, follow the inspirational story of passionate young gamers rising to the top of their game with a little help from their friends, family and the Xbox Adaptive Controller. The story illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to building accessible technology that levels the playing field and creates opportunity for all of us.”
That said, the two-minute long commercial didn’t focus on the controller as much as it did these children and their family’s. Grover’s mom shared why this technology was — and is — so important. “You never want your kid to feel like an outsider or an other,” she said. Owen’s dad echoed a sentiment. “One of the biggest fears early on is how will Owen be viewed by the other kids?[But] he’s not different when he plays.” And Taylor admitted that “It’s a little challenging, but that’s the whole point of gaming.”
Consumers can find the adaptive controller both online and at numerous retail locations, and it works with a wide range of devices to create a gaming experience which can suit every need.
As for the ad, Microsoft ended the commercial with six important words: “When everybody plays, we all win.” Truer words were never spoken.
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