We could soon be seeing more mobile games installed in in-car entertainment systems. At the Beijing International Auto Show (Auto China 2024), Mercedes-Benz showcased a new development in in-car gaming.
Through cooperation with Tencent and EA, Need for Speed: assemble will be available in Mercedes-Benz vehicles in China by the end of this year. Playing the mobile game in the vehicle is made possible by the third generation MBUX, which is a precursor to the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, MB.OS. Unfortunately, players will not be able to play the game while the vehicle is in motion, nor use the car’s actual steering wheel and pedals. They have the option to connect a Bluetooth gaming controller when the vehicle is stationary.
“Your Mercedes-Benz is more than just a car; it's your personal arcade. With our cooperation with Tencent and EA, we're driving the future of in-car entertainment, where luxury meets adrenaline. Tailored to our customers, every journey is now a personalized adventure. Get ready to unlock worlds of excitement,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer
The new Need for Speed mobile title is based on the acclaimed video game series. Need for Speed is one of the most successful game franchises of all time and celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024. More than 100 million copies of the game have been sold worldwide and over 20 different versions have been published.
Over the years, it has incorporated street driving and track racing on a selection of internationally recognized circuits and fictional cities.
The game will be available in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the third generation MBUX in China via an over-the-air (OTA) update by the end of this year. Soon, MBUX will offer many additional exciting and creative in-car gaming possibilities. Rollouts in further markets are also planned.