Ford Makes a Game Out of Mobility

Ford Motor Co. has launched a competition for video game developers to create online games that improve the effectiveness of urban transportation. Developed with Germany's Cologne Game Lab, the initiative was announced yesterday during the annual Gamescom show in Cologne, Germany.

The games could reward players for completing daily commutes based on time, cost, comfort and convenience, Ford says. They also could reward commuters for walking or bicycling and connect them to alternative transportation methods such as Ford's GoDrive car-sharing service.

In addition to encouraging gamers to take a fresh approach to global mobility issues, the competition helps players improve their commutes and show them how their behavior impacts the overall transportation infrastructure.

Ford also uses a gaming approach to recognize drivers of hybrid cars for maximizing fuel efficiency, allow EV owners to remotely charge their vehicle and show operators the impact on emissions. The company is developing a trip-planning app for its prototype electric bike too.

Other industries have used gaming techniques for medical research, recycling and incentivizing energy efficiency, Ford points out.

Developers can submit their entries for the transportation competition until Oct. 1 at www.ford-smart-mobility-game-challenge.com. A panel of experts will choose five finalists, who will then have to incorporate the findings of a Ford-commissioned survey of 5,500 commuters into their games.

The eventual winner will receive €10,000 ($10,900) and have the opportunity to present his or her game at next year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.