In the midst of myriad troubles, Peloton was able to share some “fun” news for a change Thursday (Feb. 17) as it previewed Lanebreak, a feature that turns its classes into video games.
As reported by Gizmodo, Lanebreak has been in beta testing since the summer of 2021. Caitlin McGarry, one of the tech publication’s writers, got early access to the game and dubbed it “a really fun way to ride.”
Available only on Peloton’s Bike and Bike+ products, Lanebreak can be found under the “More” tab where the company’s free and scenic rides live.
Players can choose between five-minute cool-downs and warm-ups, 10-minute hip hop classes, and 20- and 30-minute classes.
David Packles, Peloton’s senior director of product management overseeing Lanebreak, told Gizmodo the mechanics of the game are inspired by actual classes. Players are rewarded for hitting certain targets — pedaling to hit specific beats, or maintaining a cadence.
McGarry said she wanted a more diverse visual landscape for the game, and a mid-ride leaderboard to compete with fellow riders, which Packles said were both in development.
“We were pretty laser-focused on nailing the core experience first and making that core experience as fun as possible,” he told Gizmodo. “All the other stuff — progression systems, visual diversity, new types of features that build on top of our core — are all things we plan to layer on over time.”
See also: Peloton Puts the Brakes on Bike Production
Peloton has had a bleak few months. In January, the company announced it would halt production of its connected fitness Bike for two months in an effort to reduce costs amid faltering consumer demand.
The company was also saddled with a run of bad publicity in which three different TV shows — “And Just Like That,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Billions” — featured its products in a negative light, with two characters suffering Peloton-related heart attacks, and another being injured.
Earlier this week, the company began overhauling its operation, bringing in new management and conducting layoffs. New CEO Barry McCarthy has said he has no plans to sell.
Read more: Peloton Operations, Supply Chain Execs Exit
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