Mixed reality gaming is slowly emerging thanks to devices like Meta Quest and mobile games like Space Invaders: World Defense. But how far has the technology come and where is it likely to lead us in terms of immersion? For that answer, you’ll need to look in an unlikely location, car manufacturer BMW. In what could very well be the ultimate mixed reality game currently, the company’s new M Mixed Reality puts you in a car, on a race track with a headset on.
Initially revealed at the Web Summit 2022 in Lisbon, BMW was originally using its new M2 car as the controller. That’s now made way for the even more thrilling BMW M4 Competition Coupé, an $86,000 car with a 510 hp M TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder engine. That means it can achieve a top speed of around 180 mph, with you sat inside, racing around a virtual world!
The Ultimate Mixed Reality Game
The M Mixed Reality experience utilises the Varjo XR-3 mixed reality headset. And provides racers with a futuristic urban-style city circuit world to drive around. BMW has achieved this using myriad of sensors and GPS data to accurately track where the car is on the road. It even tracks the position of the accelerator and brake pedals. As well as the rotation of the tires, to ensure a realistic and pleasant driving experience.
As this is essentially a game there are gamified elements as well. Drivers will have to avoid virtual obstacles and collect coins. Naturally, speed is a factor also, you are racing after all. The second and third laps are timed, increasing the competitive feeling among participants.
All of this does come at a high price and limited availability, of course. The only location the M Mixed Reality experience is available is at the BMW M Driving Academy in southern Germany. Combined with BMW’s M Power drift training for a half day of motoring thrills, it costs €660 EUR per person ($720 USD). With a maximum of eight participants per group allowed.
Racing around a track in a BMW M4 Competition Coupé sounds like an awesome mixed-reality game. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.