The plot of last year’s Gran Turismo: Based on True Story just became a lot more relatable, as it will soon be a lot easier to go from gamer to racer. Sony has just revealed the latest edition of the Afeela EV at its CES 2024 Press Conference, and the car was driven onstage with a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller.
The ability to control the vehicle remotely with a game controller was billed as “an aspect of the software-defined vehicle,” but it was stressed that this was a tech demo for the purpose of the showcase. “We want to redefine the relationship between people and mobility,” said Sony Honda Mobility President and COO Izumi Kawanishi at the event. The full showcase can be found on YouTube or below.
Kawanishi also stated that the car aimed to revolutionize autonomous driving through AI and a partnership with Epic Games. The technology would recreate the environment in a digital space, with sensors accounting for weather, pedestrians, and environment.
In addition to this, the Afeela will feature a variety of gaming and entertainment features using Unreal Engine 5.3. The engine will “provide a digital playground where anyone can create and express their own style within Afeela,” Kawanishi said. This will include themes based on Epic Games’ Fortnite and Sony’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse.
Image via Sony
Sony has also paired with Microsoft and Polyphony Digital for the project. “Combining their simulation technology with our development expertise, our focus is to incorporate human senses and emotions into development,” Kawanishi said. “We aim to further explore new methods of mobility development by merging virtual and real-world experiences.”
They also revealed a collaboration with Gran Turismo 7, with the Afeela coming to the game later this year. Even if the DualSense control isn’t a feature in the finished model, you’ll still be able to go from gamer to racer the old-fashioned way.