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Car Makers Use Games As Virtual Test Drive

Posted by simoniker on from the realistic-damage-option-turned-on-irl dept.

Thanks to the Detroit Free Press for their article discussing car manufacturers garnering publicity, and even increased sales, from their vehicles appearing in racing games. According to brand manager David Milch: "It's a virtual test drive. The games are that sophisticated. People are getting a real feel for how the car will perform." The article goes on to explain: "The average age of a gamer is 29, and... more than half of all households in America play. That makes games a natural way to reach prime auto buyers - and those who are about to make their first purchase." Would you buy a car because you liked how it handled in a game?

2 of 31 comments (clear)

  1. BTDT by Dahan · · Score: 3, Informative

    The Ford Simulator.

  2. Ford Focus??? by flabbergast · · Score: 2, Informative

    This is the caption from the pic in the article:

    "Colin McRae Rally 3" contains one of the most realistic reproductions of a Ford Focus, above, in a game. While the first-person view of driving the Focus, below, isnOt identical to the real car, it does give a realistic feel of speed and handling."

    If you look at the photo in the article, Umm...that's not a Ford Focus, that's a Ford Puma. I can't even BUY a Puma here (here being the US). Regardless, a lot of people speculate that Subaru brought the WRX/STi to the US two years ago because of Gran Turismo. Likewise for the Evo.

    In the end though, many of the vehicles we love to drive in video games (personally, I like the Citroen Xsara from RalliSport Challenge) are cars we can't attain (Jaguar XJ220, Ferrari Enzo, etc...etc) not some Joe Shmoe Chevy Impala (unless its from the 60s) or a Ford Taurus.