BMW partners with AirConsole to launch UNO in 500,000 vehicles

BMW and AirConsole have announced the launch of the classic card game UNO in over 500,000 BMW and Mini vehicles.

This marks the first occasion the game has been made available as a dedicated in-car experience. The release follows an earlier collaboration between AirConsole and Sony Pictures, which introduced the Who Wants to be a Millionaire? game in BMW cars.

At gamescom 2024 in Cologne, Germany, visitors will get the first look at the new in-car gaming experience. The event will take place in Hall 10.1, Stand B028 - C029, where attendees can experience UNO Car Party! in the new BMW X3. From 21 August, the game will be available to BMW and Mini vehicles over-the-air via the AirConsole platform.

"We continue to increase the value of the overall digital experience for our customers," said Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President of the BMW Group Development Connected Company and Technical Operations. "Our partners AirConsole and Mattel are helping make in-car gaming into a new social experience, and I am thrilled to offer a family-favourite game like UNO for this exciting innovation."

UNO Car Party! has been designed to be accessible to all passengers in the vehicle. Stationary drivers can use the unique AirConsole game controller system to connect any passenger to the game through their personal devices. Up to four players can play simultaneously. Importantly, vehicles must be in park to enable gameplay.

"UNO beautifully illustrates the strengths of AirConsole with a game accessible to everyone, a bespoke integration to the car hardware and our phone-controlled gaming experience," said Anthony Cliquot, CEO of AirConsole. "Each player can secretly see their own cards on their phone while playing on the infotainment system of the car. This is an experience that would be impossible to achieve using only touchscreen or Bluetooth controls on the infotainment system."

Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Gaming at Mattel, commented on the announcement: "UNO is perfect for in-car gaming because it's highly engaging and brings people together. Its simple rules are easy to learn and endlessly captivating, making it ideal for both short pit stops and extended play sessions. UNO’s social nature turns every journey into a fun experience, and we're so excited to bring this spirit to consumers in an innovative way with our partners at BMW and AirConsole."

Since their partnership began in 2022, BMW and AirConsole have aimed to enhance in-car gaming experiences. The current range of games available through AirConsole has expanded significantly, most recently including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, a product of a collaboration with Sony Pictures Television, BMW, and AirConsole. The AirConsole platform is currently available in BMW and Mini models equipped with BMW / MINI Operating System 9 or BMW Operating System 8.5 along with the respective Premium / Connected packages.

UNO has remained a popular choice for card game enthusiasts over the past five decades, known for its unpredictable fun, spirited competition, and inclusivity. The game has continued to evolve, incorporating new formats such as mobile games, live gaming events, and premium collectible card games, alongside its traditional physical products.