Kyle Johnson
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Ford’s Gonna Be at Gamescon, Ya Know, Just Doin’ Ford Stuff or Whatever

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2017 Ford Focus RS

Video games are great, multi-faceted tools. For example, something like Horizon Zero Dawn gives you some idea of how you might possibly survive a far-flung future ruled by robodinosaurs. Something like Friday the 13th: The Game not only gives you an idea of how you might survive an encounter with legendary slasher Jason Voorhees, but constant run-ins with foul-mouthed 12-year-olds might also give you some idea of how you’ll pan out as a parent.

Ford is of the opinion that its vehicles’ presence in the Forza Motorsport series helps deliver a solid idea of the high-octane thrills that come with being at the wheel of a Ford Performance vehicle like the Ford GT or Focus RS. As such, Ford and Microsoft reps will sit in on a panel discussion at Gamescon to discuss the relevance of driving simulators to the actual car-buying and -driving experience.

According to data, players of Forza Motorsport 6 have driven some 398 years and 290 million miles in Ford vehicles since the game launched in 2015. The most-driven car in the game is none other than the cover star, the Ford GT, which has been driven some 41 million miles by players.

2017 Ford Focus RS Options Pack

The panel discussion will likely entail the idea of using games as a means to test-drive vehicles without having to leave the comfort of their own homes. Since Gamescon is all about that action, boss, it will also include interactive activities including the Ford Reality Check virtual reality app. The app, powered by Google Daydream VR and co-created with Happy Finish and Google, demonstrates the perils of distracted driving and should be every bit as traumatizing for participants as trying to escape Camp Crystal Lake.

Using gaming pods located at Ford’s stand, Forza players can vie for the opportunity for hands-on experience at the wheel of a Ford Focus RS with Ford Chip Ganassi Racing driver Harry Ticknell. The winner will be the driver to set the fastest lap at Spa-Francorchamps. Using a real-life Focus RS and 3D virtual reality headsets, visitors can also relive Ticknell’s lap at Spa-Francorchamps.

Gamescon runs from August 23rd-26th at the Koelnmesse in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.