Ford Launched Its Own Virtual Racing Team Called 'Fordzilla'
Laura McQuarrie — August 20, 2019 — Autos
References: media.ford & digitaltrends
At the Gamescom trade fair in Germany, Ford is recruiting for national eSports racing teams under 'Fordzilla,' aiming to secure some of the most adept virtual drivers. There will be Fordzilla teams representing countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, as well as an additional European team made up of the best players from each national team.
Fordzilla racers will compete in games like Forza Motorsport 7, acknowledging the fact that there are already huge communities of people online who virtually drive Ford vehicles in games for entertainment. Beyond entertainment however, Ford has stated that it is "intrigued by synergies between gaming and mobility and how they could help shape the way in which we all get about in the future—whether that is as commuters, as passengers in autonomous vehicles or simply enjoying the thrill of performance."
Fordzilla racers will compete in games like Forza Motorsport 7, acknowledging the fact that there are already huge communities of people online who virtually drive Ford vehicles in games for entertainment. Beyond entertainment however, Ford has stated that it is "intrigued by synergies between gaming and mobility and how they could help shape the way in which we all get about in the future—whether that is as commuters, as passengers in autonomous vehicles or simply enjoying the thrill of performance."
Trend Themes
1. Esports Racing Teams - The rise of eSports racing teams, as seen with Ford's 'Fordzilla' team, presents an opportunity for brands to enter the world of competitive gaming and tap into new audiences.
2. Virtual Racing Games - The popularity of virtual racing games like Forza Motorsport 7 creates an opportunity for software and gaming companies to improve and innovate in the field of racing simulators.
3. Synergies Between Gaming and Mobility - The exploration of synergies between gaming and mobility presents an opportunity for automotive companies to develop new technologies and experiences that merge the virtual and physical worlds.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Industry - As seen with Ford's 'Fordzilla' team, automotive companies can enter the world of eSports racing and capitalize on the growing popularity of virtual driving.
2. Gaming Industry - Virtual racing games like Forza Motorsport 7 present an opportunity for gaming companies to innovate and create more realistic racing simulators.
3. Technology Industry - The exploration of synergies between gaming and mobility presents an opportunity for technology companies to develop new systems and technologies that bridge the virtual and physical worlds.
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