Tesla to add more in-car video games

Elon Musk and his electric car company has always thought outside the box, but the latest feature will take Tesla to a whole new level.

Tesla is famous for its often-quirky software updates — including fart sounds and simulated open fires — but the electric car brand is looking set to step things up in the world of in-car entertainment.

Tesla chief Elon Musk has hinted he is keen to add some of the world’s most popular computer games to the software of its vehicles as part of an over-the-air update.

In 2018 Tesla began offering access to some old-school Atari games — including Centipede and Asteroids — as part of its TeslAtari update.

Tesla is set to add some of the world’s most popular games to its infotainment tech.

But Musk has nominated blockbuster games Roblox and Minecraft as others he wants to incorporate into the large high definition screens that are the nerve centre of Tesla cars.

“Lots more games coming once we finish porting Unity! … Also porting Unreal Engine,” Musk tweeted this week, referring to two popular game engines underpinning some of the world’s most popular games.

Lots more games coming once we finish porting Unity! https://t.co/fRbk1r5YDM

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 18, 2019

“Would be great to have @Roblox and @Minecraft!”

Those running the Roblox Twitter account were quick to respond, suggesting the company was open to a partnership.

“@elonmusk Tesla is a favourite for many of our devs. We can bring the world together through play,” they responded.

While details are scant about how and when users might be able to play such games, the potential is huge. Roblox and Minecraft each reportedly have almost 100 million users each month.

Musk has previously expressed his desire to include some car racing games, possibly using the steering wheel and pedals of the Tesla the person is sitting in playing the game — presumably while the car is parked.

Tesla is known for its outside-the-box features.

Tesla often incorporates features more conservative car makers would not consider.

The fart mode that lets off a whoopee-cushion sound is one such feature.

The company also developed a “romance mode” that runs video of an open fire, complete with crackling sounds.

Computer games are shaping up to be big business for tech companies around the world.

Earlier this year Apple announced plans for an upcoming game subscription model similar to that of many music subscription services.

For a regular subscription Apple Arcade is expected to provide access to hundreds of games.

No word yet on whether Apple’s ambitious project could be used in vehicles in future.