Audi & AirConsole launch in-car gaming for passengers on the move
AirConsole and Audi have announced the introduction of an in-car gaming platform that allows passengers to play games while the vehicle is in motion, with the platform now available in select Audi vehicles.
This collaboration marks the first time Audi passengers can use AirConsole's interactive platform during journeys, expanding previous access which was limited to vehicles at a standstill. AirConsole games are accessible via the in-car infotainment system, and passengers can use their smartphones as controllers to interact with a range of games.
Safety features
In models equipped with a passenger display, Audi's Active Privacy Mode is employed to prevent driver distraction. This feature deploys a digital curtain, which blocks the screen from the driver's view and allows only the front passenger to use the screen for gaming. This step, the companies state, enables gameplay without compromising vehicle safety.
The rollout covers Audi models including the A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron, provided the vehicles are equipped with Android-based infotainment systems. These features are available in all markets where Audi operates.
PictionaryTM added to game options
As part of the announcement, AirConsole and Audi have collaborated with Mattel to offer PictionaryTM Car Party—an in-car edition of the game—marking the 40th anniversary of PictionaryTM. Up to four devices can connect for this version, enabling engaging, collaborative play during trips.
"We're thrilled to continue our partnership with AirConsole and work with the team at Audi to bring PictionaryTM Car Party! to Audi's infotainment systems. This collaboration is a game-changer, letting non-driving passengers join in on fun, interactive play using their smartphones. Most importantly, the front passenger can safely control the game without distracting the driver, ensuring that entertainment and safety go hand-in-hand. This is the future of social gaming on the move, making every journey more enjoyable."
said Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Gaming at Mattel.
The addition of PictionaryTM Car Party builds on AirConsole's range of games aiming to make in-car entertainment more social and engaging.
Additional titles
AirConsole offers an ongoing catalogue of 13 other games, covering genres such as racing, sports, trivia, and party games. Notable options include Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? from Sony Pictures Television, Overcooked from Team17, and UNO Car Party! also from Mattel. The platform works towards regular updates and new content to keep the experience fresh for users.
Speaking on the partnership, Anthony Cliquot, Chief Executive Officer at N-Dream—the makers of AirConsole—said,
"This is a game-changer for in-car entertainment. With Audi, we're redefining what's possible inside a vehicle—bringing gaming into motion and making every journey more social and fun. 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."
How it works
The AirConsole app can be downloaded directly through the Audi Application Store, which curates applications designed for use within vehicles. Once installed, passengers connect their smartphones to the system by scanning a QR code displayed on the vehicle's screen, thereby using the mobile device as a controller for games.
According to the companies, this system ensures that users can quickly begin playing without additional hardware or setup, which is particularly suited to both longer journeys and shorter commutes.
The announcement follows AirConsole's earlier partnerships with BMW and VW, broadening its presence in the automotive sector. The integration into Audi's line-up is presented as a further step in expanding options for social digital experiences within cars.
