Gaming new on the fast track: how automakers are investing in entertainment
Image by Clay Banks on Unsplash
In-car entertainment: the future of driving
In today’s fast-paced world, the car is no longer just a means of transportation, but also a place for entertainment and relaxation. With the advent of autonomous vehicles, experts expect demand for in-car entertainment to grow as drivers spend more and more time in their vehicles. Some automakers have already begun to invest in this area to attract customers in a fiercely competitive market, seeing many examples such as Sony and Hyundai as reported by Gameforest.
Partnerships and innovations
The Swiss startup N-Dream has partnered with (https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/news/allgemein/2022/airconsole.html) BMW to bring its AirConsole gaming platform to the company’s dashboard screens. Initially, Tesla pioneered gaming options and sing-along karaoke, however, the company removed the ability to play games in the passenger seat when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration raised safety concerns. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz is testing and refining its Level 3 autonomous driving and in-car entertainment technology.
Rise of autonomous vehicles and gaming
A report from VentureBeat seen here: https://venturebeat.com/games/the-connected-car-will-be-the-new-gaming-console/ paints a picture of autonomous cars in which we can work, play and relax. Tesla is already testing Steam integration, which would allow drivers to stream up to 30,000 games directly to their vehicle. German company Holoride is currently using VR headsets to provide backseat passengers with an immersive experience that combines physical feedback with gaming and other content.
Outlook for gaming of the future
Integrating entertainment and gaming into the driving experience is just the beginning. Audi, for example, plans to integrate the gaming experience into the electric vehicle space as well, linking EV charging, as well as general travel, with entertainment subscriptions and other product offerings.
New revenue streams for game developers and advertisers
The new era of in-car entertainment offers game developers, vendors and advertisers new opportunities and revenue streams. Cars could evolve into a “third place,” a kind of flexible living and working environment where people enjoy spending time.
Conclusion
Car manufacturers are striving to provide an ever-improving experience for their customers by equipping the interiors of cars with in-car entertainment such as gaming, movies and music. Autonomous vehicles will add to this trend, helping to turn vehicles into places of entertainment and relaxation. In the future, through partnerships with gaming providers and new technological developments, we will enjoy an entirely new driving experience that goes far beyond simply getting from A to B. See more infos on used cars here.