The automobile is quickly becoming the arcade of the 2020s.
Volkswagen has announced a partnership with the gaming platform AirConsole, which will bring video games to the upcoming ID.7 Tourer, Passat, Tiguan, Golf and Golf Variant models.
Games will be shown on the vehicle’s infotainment display, which transforms into a gaming console. Passengers can use their smartphones as controllers. The feature is scheduled to launch in Europe in mid-September. A launch date in the US has not yet been announced.
Importantly, the vehicle must be parked for the game to activate. AirConsole suggests that the experience is well suited to times when the vehicle is charging or during breaks on long journeys.
More and more electric cars are offering the opportunity to play video games when you are not getting from point A to point B. AirConsole already has a partnership with BMW that allows passengers to play a variety of games, including a version of Who wants to be a millionaire? using text-to-speech technology.
Tesla has led the field, Add multiple classic Atari games to his catalogue and is working on Integrate the Steam digital storefront in vehicles.
Tesla Arcade can be accessed via the in-vehicle screen. Other games include Farming Simulator Stardew Valleyand Sega’s 1991 game Sonic the Hedgehog.
The electric car company briefly allowed its passengers to play while driving, but quickly stopped doing so after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced an investigation into Tesla.