Peugeot has officially entered the universe of the massive online game Fortnite, with a new Peugeot Island location for players to explore.
Remind me - what is Fortnite?
It's an online role-playing game that your kids probably love, where they get to run around a fictional series of locations, blowing stuff up and taking potshots at one another.
And what's Peugeot doing in it?
Well, Peugeot has teamed up with game designer Gameloft to create Peugeot Polygon City - an in-game location whose very shape and topography are designed to mimic the new 'Hypersquare' steering wheel, as featured in the new Polygon concept car, which will go into production in the next-generation 208 and 2008.
What's a Hypersquare?
It's the next development of Peugeot's small steering wheel idea, and it's basically an oblong shape with four holes, one at each corner, in which there are rotating surfaces. It's designed to work with steer-by-wire systems so that you don't have to 'wind' it from lock to lock like a conventional steering wheel, and it's also designed to fold away neatly in future autonomous car applications. Peugeot reckons that the new steering wheel design is an "element central to the driving pleasure of tomorrow's Peugeot vehicles and the Polygon Concept itself.”
So, we're going gaming then?
Yeah, why not? Peugeot's Polygon City features a series of high-rise towers at the centre, with deep basins at the corners, where the holes are in the Hypersquare steering wheel. The idea is that as you run around the City, you can collect tokens which will allow you to customise your own Polygon concept car.
Phil York, Peugeot's Global Marketing and Communication Director, said: "We're thrilled to be partnering with Gameloft bringing the Peugeot Polygon Concept to life in this exciting and exclusive preview. By entering the Fortnite universe, we're not just showcasing a concept car. We're inviting fans and gamers to experience our vision of the Design future and the multitude of configurations available with Peugeot Polygon Concept. A single vehicle with multiple sides. It's a way to connect with new audiences, redefining automotive innovation through digital exploration.”
Jean-Baptiste Godinot, Gameloft brands EVP, said: "Peugeot Polygon City fulfils not only the mission to 'translate” interactively Peugeot's core values on one of today's biggest entertainment platform, but also to create hype and engage with the younger generations. It's one of the most meaningful projects we have.”
How do I find Peugeot Polygon City?
Simple - fire up Fortnite (it's available on PC and on gaming consoles) and head to the Discover tab in the menu. When you get there, just enter the island code: 4592-5340-1652. The online adventure in Peugeot Polygon City begins on 12 November.