Have you ever had the URGE to play a video game while driving?

This is an older story but I still find it interesting.

Nissan North America Inc.(NNA) and Microsoft Corp. have merged automobile design and gaming technology to create the first-ever fully integrated gaming system within a vehicle. Conceived by Nissan Design America Inc. (NDA) and equipped with the Xbox 360™ next-generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Nissan URGE concept car allows drivers (while parked) to play “Project Gotham Racing® 3” using the car’s own steering wheel, gas pedal and brake pedal while viewing the game on a flip-down seven-inch LCD screen. “PGR® 3” is developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by Bizarre Creations Ltd. for Microsoft Game Studios.

—Credits to MaxConsole for the reminder.

Here is what I say about it in Gadgets, Games and Gizmos for Learning

Nissan, the large automobile manufacturer, has teamed with Microsoft to create an automobile design that has the first-ever fully integrated gaming system within a vehicle. The concept car, named the URGE, has a built-in Xbox that allows the driver, when the car is in park, to play a racing game [16]. While playing the game, you press the car’s gas pedal to go faster, tap the brake to slow down, and turn the steering wheel to maneuver around virtual cars. In essence, the car becomes one giant game platform. Think driver’s ed.

An even more critical application for a virtual driving simulation is in the area of truck driving. A simulator, built into a truck or bus could help to prepare and test individuals for a commercial driver’s license. Providing a safe learning environment for people preparing for their commercial driver’s licenses is important.

The need for drivers is acute. The national newspaper, USA Today reported that consulting firm Global Insight estimated that in 2005 the trucking industry was short 20,000 drivers and is forecasting a gap that could reach 111,000 in 2014 based on demographics and demand for transporting goods.

What other video games could be merged with our modern conveniences…a cooking game and the stove? Weight loss game and the fridge?
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