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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?

5 of 31 comments (clear)

  1. Good question... by clambake · · Score: 4, Funny

    Would you buy a car because you liked how it handled in a game?

    No, but I'd buy a space ship.

    1. Re:Good question... by The+Munger · · Score: 5, Funny

      Would you buy a car because you liked how it handled in a game?

      I play GTA3. I steal a car because I liked how it handled in a game.

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  2. Adventure Racing, Transformers, etc. by the+darn · · Score: 4, Funny

    While I, personally, wouldn't allow a video game with less-than-realistic game physics affect my automotive purchase decisions, I'm convinced that my ex was none-too-subtly influnced by Beetle Adventure Racing (for the N64) in her desire for the siver-gray bubble she now drives...
    On the other hand the new Transformers: Alternators verion of Smokescreen as a Subaru WRX does kinda make me want a pseudo-rally car...but only if it changes into a giant alien robot.

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  3. 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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  4. I actually did buy a car from a videogame... by Deathlok's+Bear · · Score: 4, Interesting

    3 years ago my roomate told me about a very cool new car called the Subaru WRX. I was interested, but didn't have the money for it at the time so I didn't give it much thought.

    I pretty much spent the next few years driving around the WRXs and, when they were available, STis in the various racing games that had them. Over time I gained a fairly healthy appreciation of that type of car and eventually did purchase a WRX STi when they became available in the last few months.

    Interestingly, until I went down to sign the papers for my car I had never been in a WRX nor STi and had I actually never seen an STi in person at that point.

    So far the car has lived up to my expectations, although some days I do wish I could take it around the rally courses I've been driving for the last few years... ^_^

    As for how close the simulations are? Well, some more than others but around my house GT3 is still a fan favorite as it's close enough to give a good feeling about a particular car but still retains a certain arcade-quality that doesn't punish the user too hard when they make a mistake. We can't wait for GT4 of course.