Volvo: The Game

Now here is something unique and innovative! Many car companies have done advertising in games like Need for Speed and Gran Turismo, and some also in emerging platforms like the iPhone. Particular VW group companies, with Audi producing 2 games, an A4 and 24 Hour Lemans game, VW releasing a driving game featuring the Polo and Seat one with the Cupra. Now Volvo wants to get into the action with a pretty cool looking PC game.

It pretty full-featured with great graphics. Best thing of all, it's free! The car Volvo is featuring in the game is the S60 Concept. Volvo is banking on the car heavily in the future to create sales growth and do battle in the lucrative mid-size luxury segment. So smart move Volvo helping up to build name and design recognition for the S60 in the younger demographic that will be playing this game.

Volvo plans for it to be a competitive game, with an online leaderboard and prizes for winners. If they didn't get your attention already, does that do it? I could see the game getting serious involvement, similar to Saab's "Covert Ops" online game that has proved very successful in building brand recognition.

Volvo Cars is partnering with Swedish game company SimBin Studios, who is known to produce some of the world's most realistic racing simulators. SimBin Studios CEO Henrik Roos said when Volvo approached the company about it, they couldn't resist: "When Volvo Cars asked us if we were able to develop a Volvo racing game for PC, suitable for a wide audience and including the new S60 Concept car, we picked up on the challenge straight away, says Henrik Roos, SimBin Studios CEO. "Especially since it was Volvo Cars located in Sweden that was asking. Two Swedish brands that join forces sounded like a perfect match to us."

Sounds very promising. Even the name is cool! I think it'll work out very well for Volvo as it's a clever idea producing something quality like this. Of course we'll have to wait and see to know for sure. The game launches next month on May 27th. I'll be sure to post my thoughts about it when it does go live!