LG Uplus announced on the 2nd that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with global gaming company Mobirix to develop in-car games and expand its vehicle infotainment business.
As the competition for content intensifies to seize the growing and high-spec automotive displays, games are gaining attention as a key content for vehicle infotainment. Especially with the increasing waiting times for electric car charging, more drivers are looking to enjoy their idle time. As we move towards a future where hands-free driving becomes commonplace, the growth of the in-car gaming industry is expected to accelerate even further.
According to the global market research firm IMARC Group, the global vehicle infotainment market size is predicted to increase from approximately $18.1 billion (about 24.4 trillion won) in 2022 to around $29.4 billion (about 39.6 trillion won) by 2028, demonstrating an average annual growth rate of about 8.3%. The size of vehicle displays is also trending upwards. Market research organization Omdia predicts that the proportion of products larger than 10 inches in the total vehicle display shipments will quickly increase from 28.3% in 2021 to 53.7% by 2025, crossing the half mark for the first time.
Based on its accumulated know-how in infotainment development and operations, LG Uplus aims to enter the in-car gaming field, seeking to secure differentiated competitiveness in the mobility business.
The MOU signing event was held at LG Uplus headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul, attended by key executives including Gang Jong-o, LG Uplus Mobility Business Officer (Executive Director), and Lim Joong-soo, CEO of Mobirix.
LG Uplus believes that casual games that can be easily enjoyed in a short time are suitable for the vehicle environment and plans to begin its assault on the in-car gaming market starting with simple touch-based games.
Mobirix is a mobile gaming company that boasts over 200 titles, including more than 10 popular casual games with a cumulative download count exceeding 50 million. One of its flagship games, Bricks Breaker Quest, has gained immense popularity in countries like the USA, France, India, and Egypt, surpassing 200 million cumulative downloads as of March this year.
With this collaboration, LG Uplus plans to build and operate a gaming portal based on its infotainment technology capabilities, while Mobirix will focus on the development and supply of games optimized for vehicles to be used within the gaming portal.
Additionally, both companies will actively cooperate in the future to secure leadership in the next-generation in-car gaming market through initiatives such as payment system integration, global market entry, game subscription service development, and securing new IP.
Gang Jong-o, LG Uplus Mobility Business Officer (Executive Director), stated, “Thanks to our close collaboration with various partners, LG Uplus has landed smoothly in the infotainment market, so we believe securing strong allies is the top priority as we enter the in-car gaming market.” He added, “We will accelerate the introduction of new features that can transform the driving experience for drivers and passengers in collaboration with Mobirix.”
Lim Joong-soo, CEO of Mobirix, mentioned, “This collaboration with LG Uplus is expected to provide differentiated user experiences to gaming customers and have a significant positive impact on the related market. The strengths of Mobirix in game development, distribution, and operation, combined with LG Uplus’s telecommunications and infotainment technology, will pave the way for us to explore the in-car gaming market.”
By Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr