Martin Starr is a man with many roles in Hollywood namely as the resident grouchy, know-it-all computer programmer in HBO’s hit show Silicon Valley.
The jack-of-all-tech-trades actor, who also has star roles in Freaks and Geeks and Knocked Up, is now delving into the video game world as he, Microsoft and Ayzenberg have launched an integrated campaign to drive awareness to Xbox One s newest features. (Editor’s note: [a]listdaily is the media arm of the Ayzenberg Group.)
Through his brand of dry humor, the self-described profoundly underrated actor takes sole ownership for the innovations behind the platform’s redesign of the Xbox One Experience, Backward Compatibility and playing any Xbox game on a Windows 10 computer connected to WiFi. Earlier this week, Microsoft unveiled the first 104 Xbox One backward compatibility games, featuring such titles as the complete Gears of War catalog, Assassin s Creed II, Fallout 3, Borderlands and Castle Crashers.
In a series of spots, the 32-year-old stoic-faced star unapologetically takes credit for the advancements Microsoft was responsible for. Andy Mitchell, Ayzenberg s associate creative director who worked as the copywriter and editor for the collaboration, sought Starr because he’s from a different breed of prototypical pitchman.
“His characters are usually dry, intelligent and seem like they d much be gamers at heart,” Mitchell said. “He could communicate the latest and greatest innovations to come to Xbox but do so in his unique, humorous way. He has a gift with coming up with comedic gold on the spot.”
The incredibly popular Backward Compatibility feature should be a welcome treat for fans this holiday season.
If this is a dream come true for you, Starr has two words for you: You’re welcome.
