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Even in today's fast-paced world, people spend an average of 5 to 20 minutes a day waiting in their cars, often resorting to mindless scrolling on their smartphones. 1 After learning of this, our teams researched better ways to enhance the Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience. Our goal was to provide a fun and engaging way for customers to connect with their fellow passengers— especially across generations— and ultimately infuse some fun into their day.
That is why we are rolling out a Ford-exclusive gaming app, Arcade Sports Collection, an assortment of retro-inspired games available exclusively for vehicles with the Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience.2 This app not only provides a fun and engaging way to pass the time, but also enhances the ownership experience by providing a way for people in the car to enjoy their time together and even use their smartphone as the gaming controller. We are launching shuffleboard and button soccer and will be rolling out more games over the next year.
We designed the games within the Arcade Sports Collection to be accessible and fun for everyone, even if you don't consider yourself a gamer. They are easy to learn, quick to play, and designed to kindle the nostalgia of the arcade experience, reminiscent of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
We're committed to putting customers first and delivering experiences they want. Initial ideas for the Arcade Sports Collection app were validated through customer research, confirming our theory that people wanted a fun, simple, and nostalgic way to connect in the car. This research formed the bedrock of our development process. Here's what we found:
Waiting in the Car: We all know that feeling of waiting in the car, whether for a partner running errands or for kids finishing activities. What do we do? We reach for our phones and mindlessly scroll. Our research confirmed this common behavior: Customers spend an average of 5 to 20 minutes a day waiting in their vehicles, making the need for quick, engaging entertainment clear. The Arcade Sports Collection app is designed to fill those moments with fun and simple gameplay.
People Love Games: With the growing demand for in-vehicle entertainment, we've learned that customers are seeking more engaging casual games to play on their in-vehicle screens. The Arcade Sports Collection app provides a variety of easy-to-learn games that can be enjoyed in short bursts.
Nostalgic Retro Games: Everyone remembers their favorite arcade or video game from childhood and the memories that go with it. We found that sports games, with their visual styling reminiscent of retro classics, are especially popular among millennial and Gen X parents and baby boomer grandparents alike. This nostalgia provides a unique way for them to connect with their kids or grandkids, and the vast majority expressed excitement about that prospect. The Arcade Sports Collection app taps into this nostalgia with its retro-inspired graphics and classic arcade gameplay.
Our team worked really hard to make these games fun and resonate across generations. My own son, Ty, 14, said, "These games are fun! I really liked competing against my sister and grandpa!"
Their grandpa, Wally, 78, also loved the games. He said, 'I'm not very good at games, but it didn’t take this grandpa long to give the kids a run for their money!"
It's clear that the Arcade Sports Collection app offers a fun and accessible gaming experience for players of all ages and skill levels.
Customers can enjoy a growing selection of games on the touchscreen, available through Google Play, including the racing game Asphalt Nitro 2. For a more immersive experience, they can even connect a Bluetooth-enabled gaming controller.
This is just an example of how we can build exclusive apps for the Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience to ultimately create joy and make time in the car even better.
How to Play Arcade Sports Collection
1. Make sure you have a compatible Ford or Lincoln vehicle with the Digital Experience:
Ford: 2025 Expedition, 2025 Explorer
Lincoln: 2025 Aviator, 2025 Navigator, or 2024-2025 Nautilus
2. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to activate your Connected Services plan to play, such as the Ford Connectivity Package on the 2025 Expedition.
3. Download the "Arcade Sports Collection" app from Google Play on your center display screen.
4. Launch the app on the center display.
5. Use your smartphone as a controller by scanning the QR code displayed on the screen.
6. Select a game and enjoy!
Other Tips
Play from anywhere in the vehicle! The games are designed to be played from the front or back seat while the vehicle is parked, even without being within arm's reach of the touchscreen.
Up to 4 players can join the fun!
TC Wingrove is a senior innovation manager for the Ford Integrated Services team.
1Based on Ford proprietary research in conjunction with a third-party
2Some Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience features require a Connected Services plan. Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.
