With its launch of the Real Racing GTI App for the 2010 VW GTI, Volkswagen is the first automaker to launch a car in the Apple App Store. The game is free to download, and features tie-ins to Twitter so that gamers can upload screenshots of their progress to their followers.
What’s more, playing the Real Racing GTI App could get you an actual 2010 VW GTI for free. Volkswagen has launched a contest to go along with the iPhone and iPod Touch game; one limited-edition fully-customized 2010 GTI will be given away each week to the top user.
What's Driving This Trend
- Automaker App Store Collaborations
- Opportunity for automakers to collaborate with app stores and offer innovative, interactive experiences that combine gaming and car features.
- Social Media Integration in Gaming
- Opportunity for the integration of social media platforms within gaming experiences for increased user engagement and social sharing.
- Contests and Gamification Campaigns
- Opportunity for brands to leverage gamification techniques and contests to promote product awareness and engage audiences.
Who This Affects Most
- Automotive
- Automakers can leverage collaborations with app stores to enhance their products and promote the car as an interactive gaming experience.
- Gaming
- App developers can incorporate social media elements and game mechanics into their products to increase user engagement.
- Marketing and Advertising
- Brands can utilize gamification techniques and contests to promote products and increase audience engagement and awareness.
