Microsoft puts eight people on a billboard, throws elements at them for our viewing pleasure

Not too long ago, we heard Microsoft saying that they were confident that Rise of the Tomb Raider could not only share the same release date as Fallout 4, but sell well regardless of the behemoth of game that is currently asphyxiating every other game.

How confident were they? Surely confident enough not to have a marketing stunt that would have eight people standing on a billboard for as long as possible with Microsoft throwing various elements at them, like wind, snow, heat and rain.

Well, it looks like that's exactly what Microsoft did. According to the Survival Billboard homepage, the contestant are competing for a trip inspired by Rise of the Tomb Raider. So, basically they are standing on a billboard for a chance at rabid wolves, bears and whatever people are inhabiting the island to attack them — all while on vacation.

You can watch the entire Survival Billboard stunt through the stream below, but the interesting thing about the marketing stunt is that the stream cuts away from the folks standing on the billboard to gameplay for Rise of the Tomb Raider.

This has me thinkin' there are some shenanigans going on. Oh, and heading for to the site will give you the option to control the weather.

Watch live video from Xbox on www.twitch.tv

The contestants as the appear on the board:

Lewis Wright, 29:

• Which three survival items did he pack?
  • Beef jerky, caffeine tablets and knee stabilisers.

Sarah Moore, 22:

• Which three survival items did she pack?
  • Heat packs, caffeine tablets and pain relief patches.

Andy Poole, 24:

• Which three survival items did he pack?
  • Beef Jerky, heat packs and caffeine tablets.

Anya Sopicka, 18:

• Which three survival items did she pack?
  • Heat packs, caffeine tablets and survival biscuits.

Samuel Steele, 25:

• Which three survival items did he pack?
  • Knee stabilisers, heat packs and beef jerky.

Jade Jolie:

• Which three survival items did she pack?
  • Heat packs, knee stabilisers and survival biscuits.

Adam Carr, 28:

• Which three survival items did he pack?
  • Beef jerky, caffeine tablets and painkillers.

Eve Stott, 21:

• Which three survival items did she pack?
  • Heat packs, caffeine tablets and beef jerky.