Nissan Targets Young Drivers with New Gaming Site, 'The Planet Zero'

Have you met Plug boy and his friends yet? They “live” on a new gaming website that was launched on August 1 by the Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

At The Planet Zero —targeted by Nissan at a high school and college-age demographic—users can experience a zero-emission society. It’s playful way to introduce a whole new generation of novice and prospective drivers to the value and benefits of EVs, from the Japan-based automaker that launched the all-electric Leaf in the United States last December.

Set in the neo-futuristic, zero-emission world, the site is home to a cast of characters, led by Plug, who represents EV transportation; his girlfriend eNel, and his pet DOC. Other “friends” are designed for each renewable energy source, such as the likeable Taiyo-Sun—you guessed it, a solar persona.

There are initially four stages in the game, and more stages will be added later, as needed. Among other activities, players can direct Plug to jump over computerized images of icebergs to learn about global warming, or run through a forest to learn about wind-power production. With secret commands, questions, and levels, players can enjoy the game many times.

In addition, a participatory website, Flip Book Studio, invites users to contribute and view flip book animations featuring Plugboy. “All you need,” it instructs, “is a notebook, a pen, a digital camera, and an idea! Anybody can join in!”

Nissan and its sister company Renault are investing nearly $6 billion in EV development, according to Autopia. The two companies have plans to debut eight EVs by 2015.