DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 10, 2021 – The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 is available with a wide array of features, but thanks to a collaboration between Ford and video game maker Psyonix, a new virtual version comes complete with a rocket booster. This animated pickup truck comes as part of the popular Rocket League multiplayer video game where vehicles take center stage to compete in soccer matches.
The Ford F-150 Rocket League Edition will be available as an in-game purchase Feb. 20-28. The F-150 bundle also includes a chairman decal, two sets of F-150 wheels, F-150 Rocket League Edition engine audio, F-150 boost and F-150 player banner.
F-150’s appearance in Rocket League continues Ford’s wider push into gaming after successful sponsorships with other titles, such as Forza. Ford worked collaboratively with Psyonix, a critically acclaimed video game developer, to create the truck. Ford also will produce commercial shorts narrated by actor Bryan Cranston aimed at gamers.
To ensure the F-150 Rocket League Edition in-game vehicle maintains the real-world styling cues and Built Ford Tough DNA of the iconic pickup, the F-150 design team collaborated with designers at Psyonix, maker of Rocket League.
The athletic-looking F-150 that appears on screen is based on the all-new 2021 F-150 and features signature C-clamp headlight design, rounded wheel arches, drop-down windows and “F-150” stamped in the tailgate.
Kaoud, chief designer, Ford trucks. “F-150 is already the most popular truck in the real world, and this F-150 Rocket League Edition is poised to be the most popular truck in the gaming world, too. It’s Built Ford Tough meets gaming.”
Ford will sponsor the Ford + Rocket League Freestyle Invitational, a judged competition where select players show off their best in-game moves and tricks – with one lucky contestant winning a real 2021 F-150.
The crossover between the real world F-150 and the virtual reality of the Rocket League follows Ford’s collaboration in Europe between Team Fordzilla, the company’s e-sports team, and the gaming community there, which led to the creation of the P1 Project virtual race car in 2020.
According to the Entertainment Software Association, a gaming industry trade association, more than 214 million Americans play video games and three-quarters of all U.S. households have at least one gamer in the home.
The Rocket League Championship Series Winter Majors Driven by Ford continues every weekend in February and can be viewed on both Rocket League’s Twitch and YouTube channels. View the remaining schedule below:
• South American Winter Major: Feb. 13-14
• European Winter Major: Feb. 20-21
• Ford + Rocket League Freestyle Invitational: Feb. 24 and Feb. 28
• North American Winter Major: Feb. 27-28
The Ford F-150 Rocket League Edition will be available for purchase to new and existing Rocket League players. The game recently expanded and is free to play on all major gaming platforms. Visit rocketleague.com to play or to learn more.
