Forget escape rooms…escape cars are the next big thing

By Sam Phillips

27 Jan 2022

Solving a puzzle in an escape room presents an exciting challenge for many, but what if you wanted some escape-based puzzling in your car?

Well now you can, as Ford has added an interactive ‘escape room’ game to its electric Mach E SUV, which tasks players with solving clues and following directions to win.

The app-based games uses specialist hardware in order to use the vehicle's controllable features such as the air conditioning, speakers and electric seats to allow people to play the game.

Ford’s spy-themed concept game takes players through a secret mission to deliver a package.

To complete the game, audio prompts are given through the vehicle's speaker system, with the electric seats, hands-free tailgate, air conditioning system and headlights amongst the elements that are either activated by the game or used by the player when asked.

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Don’t worry though, Ford has not programmed the game to lock you in the car until you solve the puzzle and anyone can get out of the Mach E at any time.

The game is installed on an iOS device such as an iPhone and then links to the car via Apple CarPlay and an internally developed piece of hardware and software.

Ford says that the game is a working concept and was developed by Ford of Europe alongside the Software Enablement & Research team in Ford’s Emerging Technology & Innovation group.

The team developed the idea to showcase how gaming could help people get more familiar with the functionality of their vehicles.

“This is a bit of fun that has a serious side, as it shows just what could be possible with the technology we have in cars today,” said Ford of Europe technical expert, Carsten Starke.

“Having the ability to create interaction between vehicle and driver could open up new ways to explore other possibilities in the future, like an interactive owner’s manual or even driver coaching.”