Why is there a Wonka Xbox?

A couple of days ago I saw the oddest article show up in my feed about a Wonka-themed Xbox Series X. I knew there was a new Roald Dahl-inspired Wonka movie coming out soon, but I didn’t think there was a game for it… because there isn’t. As soon as I saw it, I saved the link to write an article about it over the weekend. However, seeing how today I missed out on getting the limited-edition Steam Deck and have yet to rehearse for a sales role-play I have tomorrow, what better way is there to procrastinate while all at the same time wallowing in self-pity?

Wonka-Inspired Xbox and Prizes

The Xbox sweepstakes allows X users to win an Xbox with a chocolate bar design and Wonka inscribed on the front comes with a display made to look like a candy store. Based on the picture of it, I can’t imagine where someone would find the space to put this thing. Other prizes include a chocolate Xbox controller, a burgundy controller, and a box of Xbox-themed chocolate truffles.

Why Wonka???

I found it intriguing how Wonka has an Xbox sweepstakes dedicated to it when I haven’t seen anything similar done for any other Warner Bros.’ IPs, including those that have games. Star Wars, Harry Potter, DC, and LEGO. The only game to get a custom Xbox and controller in Warner Bros.’ lineup has been All-Star Brawl which received a custom SpongeBob and Ninja Turtle variants. It’s unclear which party, if any, is hesitant to further this relationship. I don’t have an Xbox but if I did, I think it would be cool to have one that looks like a bunch of LEGO bricks stacked on top of each other, or to have a sick Batman theme for all the Arkham games I play. Retailers do sell console and controller skins to cater to the HUGE audiences that enjoy IPs like DC, Harry Potter, and Mortal Kombat so it’s odd that neither party would want to work on more collaborations.

Where is the barrier between movies and video games in the entertainment industry?

Ten years ago, when the Xbox was first unveiled, gamers groaned as Microsoft's value proposition for the Xbox turned from being a gaming console, into a family media console. Your Halo machine was now perfect for watching Netflix. Use the nonoptional Kinect to pause your movie with voice controls. While the Xbox hasn’t become much less of a multi-media console, Microsoft has shifted away from that in its messaging. But, as video games become more widely adopted, seeping into movie theaters and Netflix shows, the difference between them becomes harder to see.

Conclusions

This promotion has no doubt garnered attention for both Xbox and Wonka as I have seen multiple articles appear in my feed about the sweepstakes. Perhaps the unexpected combo has contributed to its virality or maybe the difference between video and video games has become less apparent for all types of screen enjoyers. With the PlayStation 5 being so customizable with its removable plates, I hope to see Xbox come up with more custom Xbox designs or officially licensed skins that allow players to express themselves through their machines.

Now I have presentations to grade and a presentation to make.