DEF CON 32 - Redefining V2G: How to use your vehicle as game controller -Timm Lauser, Jannis Hamborg

The video introduces V2G (Vehicle to Game), a project that repurposes a car’s steering wheel and other controls into a game controller by reading CAN bus signals via OBD2, demonstrating creative use of automotive systems while highlighting security and reverse-engineering aspects 2:57.

Key Takeaways:
• V2G extracts vehicle data (e.g., steering angle, brake signals) from the CAN bus using OBD2 or direct CAN access, enabling real-time mapping to in-game actions 5:00.
• A Raspberry Pi with a custom PCB connects to the OBD2 port, emulates an Xbox 360 controller via Bluetooth, and sends inputs to a game running on a laptop 10:04.
• Steering, brake, and indicator signals are parsed and mapped to game functions (e.g., nitro activation, item throwing) using Python-based configuration 29:15.
• The project serves as an educational tool for students, emphasizing safety warnings against accidental driving or battery drain 32:01.

This project showcases accessible, hands-on learning in automotive cybersecurity and reverse engineering—while stressing responsible use.

Sources:

• 2:57 Introduction to V2G concept and motivation using vehicles as game controllers.
• 5:00 Overview of CAN bus access and OBD2-based data retrieval.
• 10:04 Hardware setup with Raspberry Pi, OBD2 adapter, and Bluetooth emulation.
• 29:15 Signal parsing and mapping of vehicle inputs to game controls using Python.