The thrill of being a Nissan Formula E Team driver has become a game. Dark Horses has created the Nissan Formula E Team’s first-ever video game, NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo, to get hearts pumping ahead of of the team’s home race at the Tokyo E-Prix on May 17-18.
The game is available to play at www.NismoElectricRacer.com and has launched with a classic 1990s-inspired video game advert, blending gameplay with real-life race footage and the feel of a classic toy ad.
The retro-inspired arcade game, developed in an 8-bit visual style resembling classic ‘90s arcade games, was created in collaboration with Japanese illustrator, Kentaro Yoshida, embodying both the spirit of Tokyo’s electric streets and the city’s legendary gaming culture.
Players take control of a stylised Nissan Formula E car through a Tokyo cityscape at 322kph, featuring Mt Fuji and cherry blossom trees, and simulating the high-speed excitement of Formula E.
Nissan Formula E Team drivers Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato are set to register their highest scores ahead of the E-Prix, with fans able to test themselves against the professionals and post their own scores to the leaderboard.
Yoshida, originally from Japan, is known for his pastel-toned style, bold line-work and quirky characters. NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo is his first foray into the gaming world. His unique style will also debut on track at the Tokyo E-Prix, having worked on a special edition livery that reimagines the team’s existing Sakura-themed design. The special livery is set to be announced on May 14, 2025 at Nissan’s Global Headquarters.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team, commented, “We’re very excited to return to our home E-Prix in Tokyo. This race is not only a major moment for us as a team, but also a chance to celebrate our Japanese heritage. With NISMO Electric Racer Tokyo we’ve created something that captures the energy we bring to the track while celebrating Japan’s legendary gaming culture. We’ve had a good season so far and we’re ready to give it our all in Tokyo to deliver excitement both on and off the track.”
Sean Johnson & Josh Pearce, creative directors at Dark Horses, added, “The home race is such a huge deal that we knew we needed to do something really special that not only captured the speed and excitement of the race, but also of the city itself. This is our strategy of noisy thinking, generating creatively distinct and individual social-based ideas that drive constant awareness and engagement, working at its very best.”
