top of page
avery benson logo
avery benson logo

imagine that, IRL.

best buy x FC27

transforming best buy from a retailer into a launch party venue, and reconnecting with consumers who have grown emotionally numb to technology.

Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Physical Space

problem.

what was once a category full of excitement and limitless tech possibilities has turned into a mind-numbing pit of exhaustion. years ago, emerging technology had intrigue; what was going to be the next big thing? now, excitement around technology has decreased over time, yet usage continues to increase steadily. this leads to a tension of tech fatigue. the use of digital technology has begun to isolate people rather than bring them together.

insight.

people say tech is no longer exciting, but what they really miss is enjoying it together, because technology feels more meaningful when it creates a shared moment instead of a solo routine.

strategy.

by pre-ordering FC27 through best buy, fans unlock access to exclusive in-store launch party rewards and hands-on product experiences. the strategy transforms a standard pre-order into a shared tech ritual, repositioning best buy as a modern hub for discovery, participation, and real-world connection.

CLIENT

FC27 x best buy

Duration

5 weeks / 2026

Service Type

user research, advertising and branding.

BestBuy_ADBR305-ADVE715_S26_VAS_P3_.mp4

a deep dive into the best buy x FC27 conceptual framework.

target audience insights.

28-43

56%

80%

47%

Core Age GROUP

PLAY GAMES DAILY

DEAL WITH BURNOUT

WATCH OTHERS PLAY

millennial males dominate the gaming landscape and are the key demographic for best buy and FC27.

dedicating 18% of total entertainment time to gaming. 50% of these players play alone.

with 83% craving a digital detox. they seek challenge and discovery, yet want to unplug.

youtube and twitch act as the primary platforms to view others playing popular games.

campaign layers.

01. digital.

the campaign begins on discord, where a 'gram-bot' (powered by discord API) gathers the community for the initial drop. a digital-first approach ensures maximum engagement from a tech-native audience.

  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Discord Introduction
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Discord Announcement
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Discord Voting
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Discord Polls

02. physical.

an in-person launch event follows, featuring a streamer competition stage and product test-and-vote stations, transforming the technology guidance best buy provides into an exclusive, engaging experience. 

  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Physical Space Gamers
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Physical Space Gaming Station
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Physical Space Testing Station Voting Tablet
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Physical Space Testing Stations
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Physical Space Testing Station
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Physical Space Streamer Competition
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Physical Space

03. virtual/interactive.

along with special products only offered to attendees, those who can't attend the event (but still want to participate) are granted the unique opportunity to take over a top streamer's game, blurring the lines between creator and community interaction.

  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Virtual Stream Takeover
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Exclusive Controller
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Gameplay
  • Best Buy X FC27 Imagine That: IRL Can Koozie

team highlights.

the key collaborators behind the best buy x FC27 innovative campaign.

avery benson

emily cullinane

jasmin durrence

samuel mayer

kaylee
rosa

Creative TECH.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ART DIRECTOR

CopywritER

PROJECT MANAGER

bottom of page