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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?

4 of 31 comments (clear)

  1. Alternate Idea by quinkin · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Or alternatively, we could use the tech to ensure people actually know how to drive before they are allowed to on the roads (yes, it's limited - but it would help).

    I don't know about anyone else but I am sick of having incompetent drivers in high powered turbo sports cars trying to kill me and my family every time we venture on the road.

    Q.

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  2. Viral Marketting by quinkin · · Score: 2, Insightful
    It's just viral marketting (now that is a phrase I hate).

    Works out as damn cheap advertising for them (i.e. don't ask game developer for licensing payments - thats pretty cheap).

    Q.

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  3. Games are not realistic by wowbagger · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Does nobody else here remember the various articles about the way the racing games take liberties with the real physics of cars - how frequently the car's center of gravity is placed several meters below the car, the tires have coefficients of friction that are stickier than duct tape, etc.?

    Yes, I want to make my multi-tens of thousands of dollars buying decisions based upon that information....

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  4. Well...not really, how about better crash physics. by FauxReal · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I'd like to see them add better crash and damage physics to racing games. You can beat the hell out of these things without them ever taking a single dent. Not to mention the fact that you couldn't roll a car in a racing game ever.
    I've allways wanted a racing game that allowed me to beat the crap out of my cars then replace busted parts. How about a demolition derby mode?

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