Car screens continue to expand their functions beyond navigation, music or managing the vehicle itself. Volkswagen will take a new step in that direction by incorporating multiplayer video games directly into the infotainment system in six of its 2027 models in the United States.
The company will integrate AirConsole, the in-car gaming platform developed by N-Dream, and will reportedly become the first volume automotive brand to offer this experience in the US market.
The system will allow you to use the vehicle’s central screen to play games while the car is parked. Users will not need specific controls: they will just have to scan a QR code and connect their smartphones, which will function as controllers. The catalog will initially be made up of 20 games, including recognizable titles such as “Tetris”, “Uno Car Party!” or “Pac-Man Championship Edition”.
The proposal seeks to take advantage of waiting moments inside the car to offer a shared experience between occupants. Once the phone is connected using the QR code that appears on the screen, several passengers will be able to participate together in the games without having to add additional hardware to the vehicle.
“In-vehicle video games help transform everyday moments into shared experiences, offering families and friends a new way to connect, laugh and spend time together while enjoying their Volkswagen”said Rachael Zaluzec, Chief Marketing Officer of Volkswagen America.
In addition to using the car’s screen and sound system, some of the games can be integrated with the ambient lighting of compatible models and finishes. The interior lights will react to what happens during the game to expand the experience beyond the screen itself.
Volkswagen will have a version of Pac-Man in which the dolls take the shape of its logo
The integration also includes content created specifically for the brand. Volkswagen will have, for example, a customized version of Pac-Man that replaces some of the original elements of the video game with references to the company. The acquaintances power pellets They take the form of the Volkswagen logo, while the fruits that appear as bonuses are replaced by some recognizable vehicles of the brand.
Other titles, such as “Golazo!” and “Memory Match”, will also incorporate exclusive content related to Volkswagen.
The proposal reflects how the increase in size and capabilities of screens installed in vehicles is giving rise to new forms of entertainment within the cabin. In this case, Volkswagen presents the parked car as a space in which to play while waiting or share an activity with the rest of the occupants. “North America is the largest video game market in the world. Launching AirConsole with Volkswagen in this region will not only entertain millions of people, it will also enrich the in-vehicle experience”explained Anthony Cliquot, CEO of N-Dream.
AirConsole will be integrated into In-Vehicle Premium, Volkswagen’s suite of connected services enabled through myVW+. This also includes functions such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, premium navigation and advanced voice services, among other features that depend on the model.
N-Dream already works with other car companies, including BMW, Audi, Porsche, Škoda and Tata. With its addition to six Volkswagen models in the United States, the experience now extends to a volume brand and reinforces the evolution of the cabin towards a digital space that also competes for the entertainment time of its occupants.
