Audi’s latest vehicles are now compatible with the AirConsole gaming platform, which uses smartphones as controllers. However, thanks to the Active Privacy Mode on modern Audis equipped with a passenger screen, passengers can now also play games while driving, marking an industry first.
Gaming in cars is becoming increasingly the norm. Tesla was the first to introduce an impressive suite of games to its infotainment system, which also supports flagship PC games through the Steam marketplace. Now, Audi also has a scoop, as it becomes the first auto manufacturer to support gaming while driving.
In-car gaming in the latest Audi models
Don’t worry: Audi is not letting drivers get even more distracted by the infotainment screen. The German manufacturer has partnered with AirConsole, which also supplies in-car gaming to recent BMW and Volkswagen models.
The games are not exactly PlayStation-worthy, but they allow drivers and passengers to enjoy themselves while waiting at a charger or during long road trips. Examples include classic party games such as Pictionary, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Uno, and Overcooked.
AirConsole utilizes players’ smartphones as controllers and can now be integrated into the central infotainment screen of the latest Audi A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron models equipped with an Android infotainment system. Up to four players can connect to the system using a QR code.
Active Privacy Mode allows for in-car gaming while driving
And if the vehicle is equipped with a passenger screen, the front passenger can even play while driving, thanks to Audi’s Active Privacy Mode. This system blocks the passenger screen from the driver’s view, preventing distractions and allowing for legal use while on the move.
“By enabling gameplay on the passenger screen in a way that prioritizes safety—by not distracting the driver—we’re taking a bold yet responsible step toward a future where cars are not just modes of transport, but platforms for shared digital experiences,” says Anthony Cliquot, CEO at N-Dream, the makers of AirConsole.
Other manufacturers will likely follow by allowing games to be played on the front passenger screen. Most vehicles equipped with this type of display have a blocking system to prevent drivers from viewing the screen while the car is in motion. This means drivers can already watch video content or use social media apps while driving without distraction.
