This can happen accidentally as well. For example, the default Windows 10 wallpaper was created using a physical model, an array of projectors, and a smoke machine. Alas, the end result turned out to be indistinguishable from CG. [1]
"Cool C64 demo you have there buddy, I could do that in Unity in an afternoon". Yes, but would you? (Edit: and even if you did, it would be a copy of a unique style born out of specific circumstances.)
The picture was apparently taken before it became part of a winery.
A lot of product photos that people think are renders are real photos too, just done with a Phase One.
This kind of maximal efficiency attitude is precisely why programs aren't "fun" anymore. Oftentimes, taking the scenic route instead of the highway is how you awe and inspire people; I know I was.
If anyone reading this remembers the 90s and early 00s with Easter Eggs and other fun programs with character, y'all know what I'm talking about.
It's a company, efficiency is money. That's why companies exist.
why programs aren't "fun" anymore
Programs have nothing to do with this, you grabbed that out of thin air. This is about making an image.
Oftentimes, taking the scenic route instead of the highway is how you awe and inspire people; I know I was.
That's good advice for vacation, not a professional environment where someone is paying you for results.
These kinds of "Wait... Seriously? Wow!" stories play a big role in inspiring the next generation to come and do the work of the future. We're seeing far less of them now in computing, and everyone wonders why the younger generations aren't as inspired about technology anymore.
When everything is a brutal race to the bottom to fleece you for every damn bit you're worth, damn right everyone's going to find greener pastures to be inspired by.
I'm answering why we should (within reason) splurge on these kinds of fun, seemingly pointless side tracks.
When you say 'we' should splurge you really mean someone else.
Also this wasn't a splurge, this probably took less time to make than doing it in CG and people who can do the photography probably don't know how to do it in CG in the first place.
The designers would have told the CEO that this is going to be seen by 100x more people than a Superbowl ad spot, and 100x as many times per person too. So getting the perfect image/sound made for the cost of a single superbowl ad is a great deal.
Of course, whether they've succeeded at producing the perfect image is another matter.
The Windows 95 startup chime was composed by Brian Eno, so MS are used to paying for this stuff.