A driving game featuring licensed automobiles is nothing new to the video game industry. As a matter of fact, many proponents of driving sims claim that having real-life cars in-game helps to enhance the sense of realism, as opposed to the overly generic (yet admittedly extensive) roster of vehicles found in Grand Theft Auto. And we doubt that Ferrari and Lamborghini mind having their logos digitally rendered on thousands of televisions the world over. But how often has a game persuaded you to buy anything, much less a $300,000 automobile?
Volvo's hoping to curb that trend with Volvo Drive for Life, an Xbox driving simulator that embraces the eternal Volvo cliche: safety. Instead of barreling through afternoon traffic at breakneck speed, the game encourages you to take it slow, while showcasing the different safety features of the three Volvo models offered up for play. Currently Volvo only intends to distribute the initial 100,000 copies to dealerships to give out to prospective customers, but there are also plans to hand out copies at auto shows in Detroit and Los Angeles, as well as Las Vegas's Consumer Electronics Show next year.
Of course, the real question remains: is the game fun? Anyone can force brand recognition down our throats, but unless we enjoy the experience, it doesn't mean squat. Besides, Volvo can spout safety all they want, but we challenge anyone to resist the urge to take their car plummeting from a cliff in flames at first opportunity (in the game, that is).
[Via the New York Times, article requires free subscription]
