During the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), one of the games that was demonstrated with the Kinect motion control system was the racing game Forza. The hands-free Kinect allowed players to examine the virtual cars they were driving, get a look at features and peek inside at the interior. But more interesting still in our opinion is the fact that one car manufacturer is already looking at using that technology to get people to examine its real-world vehicles, as Microsoft announced that it is partnering with Chevrolet to promote the new Chevrolet Volt through an original game for the Xbox 360 using Kinect.
A Microsoft press release said players will have the opportunity to take the test-drive concept to a new level by driving a Volt in Kinect Joy Ride, the first controller-free racing game from Microsoft. After viewing a video advertisement on Xbox Live or on the Web, consumers will be able to unlock the Volt to virtually drive the car in the game. “Chevrolet Volt is not only offering a new way for car buyers to interact with and learn about a vehicle before heading to the dealership,” said Darren Huston, corporate vice president of the Global Consumer & Online group at Microsoft. “It’s enabling people to virtually test drive the Volt from the comfort of their own living room.”
Kiosks are also expected to be placed within Chevrolet showrooms to allow people to take a virtual test-drive in the econo-friendly vehicle. Kinect launches November 4 for $149.
Editor’s Note: For more articles by Larry Frum, be sure to read his Gamers Notes blog.
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Scott Steinberg is the CEO of video game consulting firm TechSavvy Global, and founder of GameExec magazine and Game Industry TV. Hailed as a top technology and video game expert by dozens of publications from USA Today to Forbes and NPR, he’s covered the field for 400+ outlets from Playboy to Rolling Stone. A frequent on-air analyst for networks like ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN, he’s also the author of Video Game Marketing and PR.