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Say goodbye to the nostalgia of I Spy on long road trips, but only if you have a selected Audi model. The car giant has teamed up with AirConsole to bring gaming into the cabin, albeit with a heap of safety caveats to ensure the driver doesn’t get involved in any marathon sessions.
“This is a game-changer for in-car entertainment. With Audi, we’re redefining what’s possible inside a vehicle—bringing gaming into motion and making every journey more social and fun,” says Anthony Cliquot, CEO at N-Dream, the makers of AirConsole. “By enabling gameplay on the passenger screen in a way that prioritizes safety by not distracting the driver, we’re taking a bold yet responsible step toward a future where cars are not just modes of transport, but platforms for shared digital experiences.”
So far, so PR, but what does it actually mean? Well, in Audi models equipped with a passenger display and Audi’s Active Privacy Mode – a digital curtain that blocks the screen from the driver to prevent any distractions beyond shouting and throwing your controller around when you rage quit – the front passenger can now enjoy gaming while the vehicle is in motion. It is slightly weird that many of the press shots for the announcement show the driver taking part, albeit not while the car is actually moving.
The feature is now available in the Audi A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron model series equipped with Android-based infotainment systems, in all markets where Audi operates. Utilizing your own smartphone as a controller, you can enjoy yourself with a specially tailored car version (a true mobile game…sorry) of Pictionary: Car Party, from Mattel. Up to four players can connect and while away the time while the designated driver tries to drown out shouts of, “Is it a sausage?” while doing a steady 70mph.
Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Gaming at Mattel, said: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with AirConsole and work with the team at Audi to bring Pictionary™ Car Party! to Audi’s infotainment systems. This collaboration is a game-changer, letting non-driving passengers join in on fun, interactive play using their smartphones. Most importantly, the front passenger can safely control the game without distracting the driver, ensuring that entertainment and safety go hand in hand. This is the future of social gaming on the move, making every journey more enjoyable.”
Beyond Pictionary, the AirConsole catalog will be regularly updated but currently features an additional 13 games, including Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Overcooked, and Uno: Car Party. AirConsole is available through the Audi Application Store and all you need to do is boot up the game and scan the QR code with the phones of people who want to play, and you are in.
Published: Jul 1, 2025 07:09 am