Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Pokemon Winds and Waves
  • New Games for 2026
  • GamesRadar+ Replay
  • Mario Day deals
Don't miss these
Halo 3 Cortana AI companion
Games Xbox just revealed Gaming Copilot is coming to "current-generation consoles" later this year
Upcoming Xbox Series Games banner image showing Jason from GTA 6, Marcus from Gears of War E-Day, a steampunk robotic figure in Clockwork Revolution, and Fable's protagonist speaking with a man who has a sword
FPS Games Upcoming Xbox Series X games for 2026 and beyond
Xbox Project Helix logo on black background
Hardware Everything we know about Xbox Project Helix - the next-gen Xbox console
Xbox Series X and controller.
Hardware Project Helix "might be Microsoft's last attempt to make their hardware business work," analyst suggests
Xbox Project Helix logo in front of Series X silhouette with Game Pass box art in backdrop.
Xbox Xbox Project Helix dev kits to roll out in 2027, narrowing possible launch window as Microsoft doubles down on PC
Future Games Show
Adventure Games A creature-collecting Metroidvania where rainbow bridge dogs live on as space-faring robots was not on my bingo card for today
The lighthouse looks at a twisting tree in Keeper
Games Best Xbox exclusives you need to own
Xbox - Future Owns
Games Xbox teases "some iconic games from the past" to be re-released in 2026 from its "game preservation team"
Gears 5
Hardware Early Xbox Project Helix specs promise "next-generation" AI upscaling as Microsoft tries to win the next-gen console war
Adorable Adventures
Adventure Games Adorable Adventures is the aptly-named upcoming cosy game about playing as a precious piglet out to find his family
best Xbox One games
Games The best Xbox One games of all time
Xbox Series X
Xbox Microsoft CEO says "we'll always" keep investing in gaming amid Xbox's announcement of mysterious Project Helix
Xbox Project Helix logo on black background
Xbox Xbox Project Helix announced, "next generation console" will "play your Xbox and PC games," Microsoft says
Wonderer heads to the Spire in a screenshot from Slay the Spire 2's animated reveal trailer
Xbox Xbox lead thinks "we have been in a golden age for indies" since 2008, and it's "a fantastic time to be a developer" if you ignore all the smoke
Xbox Project Helix logo in front of Series X silhouette with Game Pass box art in backdrop.
Xbox The next-gen Xbox is basically being pitched as a Steam Machine rival
  1. Games
  2. FPS
  3. Xbox Series X

Microsoft holiday commercial features a gaggle of gaming dogs

News
By Alyssa Mercante published 3 December 2020

Rufus can't physically be with his best doggy friends, but he can play Xbox Series X with them

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Get the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

This year's Microsoft holiday commercial features a dog dreaming about meeting his dog friends in Xbox Series X games and I'm not crying, you are. Check out the commercial above, and read on for more.

The commercial begins with an adorable dog named Rufus, who is trying to get the attention of his human family members. Unfortunately, they're all gaming or otherwise online, with one playing Minecraft, another playing Microsoft Flight Simulator, and yet another playing Halo Infinite on Xbox Series X (hold on a second...how?). Let this be a lesson to all of us - give your dogs ample attention during quarantine or else they'll be sad and that concept is heartbreaking.

Rufus even longingly looks out the window at his doggy neighbor, who is likely not seeing him because of social distancing rules. This is sad as hell! Don't worry, though, as Rufus meets up with his dog friends in his dreams, where they frolic through a dog-themed Minecraft level, fly planes in Microsoft Flight Simulator, and fetch a grenade for Master Chief in Halo Infinite. They even have a doggy zoom happy hour in Microsoft Teams! 

You may like
  • Future Games Show A creature-collecting Metroidvania where rainbow bridge dogs live on as space-faring robots was not on my bingo card for today
  • Sorry, the Fable reboot doesn't feature a dog companion, Playground lead confirms
  • Avowed new screenshot xbox series x Best Xbox Series X games: The 25 greatest Xbox games to play in 2026

Holiday commercials always tug on the heartstrings, but when there's a lonely dog involved, you've got my attention. Aside from Rufus' plight, it's interesting to see Microsoft advertising Halo Infinite on the Xbox Series X for a holiday commercial, considering we won't be getting the title until 2021. Well, a dog (and a gamer) can dream. 

Make someone's holiday with our guide on where to buy Xbox Series X. 

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
CATEGORIES
Xbox Series X Platforms Xbox
Alyssa Mercante
Alyssa Mercante
Social Links Navigation
Former Features Writer

Alyssa Mercante used to be a features writer at GamesRadar+ and is now a freelance writer and editor. Prior to entering the industry, she got her Masters's degree in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Newcastle University with a dissertation focusing on contemporary indie games. She spends most of her time playing competitive shooters and in-depth RPGs and was recently on a PAX Panel about the best bars in video games. In her spare time Alyssa rescues cats, practices her Italian, and plays soccer.

Read more
Future Games Show
A creature-collecting Metroidvania where rainbow bridge dogs live on as space-faring robots was not on my bingo card for today
 
 
Sorry, the Fable reboot doesn't feature a dog companion, Playground lead confirms
 
 
Avowed new screenshot xbox series x
Best Xbox Series X games: The 25 greatest Xbox games to play in 2026
 
 
Xbox
Microsoft's weird "This is an Xbox" marketing appears to be getting quietly swept under the rug amid leadership changes
 
 
Fable 4
What to expect from Xbox in 2026
 
 
Bad photoshop of Paws, a black and white cat wearing a pink ribbon, edited onto Jetpack Cat from Overwatch.
Overwatch fans flood the internet with edits of their own pets cosplaying as Jetpack Cat: "My cat is Jetpack Cat too"
 
 
Latest in FPS
Overwatch Jetpack Cat smiling smugly
"What if we could just drop 30 new heroes into Overwatch?": Marvel Rivals "definitely had an impact" on Blizzard
 
 
Overwatch's Brigitte offers you a hand up.
Overwatch director celebrates no longer being "the lowest-rated game on Steam" but he's not sure how to reach positive
 
 
Key art for Marathon showing a colorful cybernetic character with a gun taking cover
Marathon review in progress: "Bungie has created my favorite multiplayer shooter in years"
 
 
Marathon unlocking faction upgrade from CyberAcme
How Marathon faction upgrades work and the best ones to get early
 
 
Marathon Cutthroat Competition Traxus contract looting in maintenance
How to find rod salvage for the Cutthroat Competition contract in Marathon
 
 
Overwatch
Jeff Kaplan calls Overwatch 2 "one of my biggest mistakes," names "2 points of failure" for the troubled sequel
 
 
Latest in News
Invincible season 4
Invincible creator Robert Kirkman says fans will "finally get what they're asking for" with the introduction of Thragg
 
 
Tim Roth as Beckett reading with his feet on a desk in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man villain Tim Roth starred in The Incredible Hulk to "embarrass" his kids
 
 
Fenris in Dragon Age 2.
Dragon Age 2 lead says "if some people are ambivalent" about the RPG's characters, "I guess I didn't really do my job"
 
 
Jeff the Land Shark as he appears in Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals devs are careful with balancing because "you have a vocal minority screaming the loudest"
 
 
Starfield
Bethesda will have "more to share next week" on Starfield as Todd Howard waves away claims he's a "visionary"
 
 
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 writer says picking an ending is like choosing a "favorite child" - "They are a pair"
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Invincible season 4
    1
    Invincible creator Robert Kirkman says fans will "finally get what they're asking for" with the introduction of Thragg
  2. 2
    "Some ideas from Donkey Kong Bananza" may inform Nintendo's next big project, producer says
  3. 3
    Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man villain Tim Roth starred in The Incredible Hulk to "embarrass" his kids
  4. 4
    Dragon Age 2 lead says "if some people are ambivalent" about the RPG's characters, "I guess I didn't really do my job"
  5. 5
    A Fallout 4 QA tester nuked the RPG so hard that Zenimax executives got emails about it

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...