VirtuePlay's Lunar Racing Championship is a multi-player online racing simulation game set on the surface of the moon.  Using NASA’s actual topographical and environmental data from the moon, Lunar Racing Championship provides a scientifically realistic accurate experience combined with the fun of a multi-player racing videogame in what VirtuePlay is terming “NASA meets NASCAR.”

“Lunar Racing Championship is an industry-changing look at gaming,” said Mary T. Duda, CEO and president, VirtuePlay.  “Not only is it a realistic depiction of the elements involved with a ride on the moon, the game maintains a positive, educational gaming experience as players will see the actual topography from NASA recreated in striking detail.  For those who want to experience space, but can’t travel there – yet – we give them the moon.”

Lunar Racing Championship incorporates high-resolution, infrared photos of the moon and other data from NASA’s Clementine satellite.   Players compete on virtual racetracks that project ultraviolet images onto lunar speedways.VirtuePlay also synthesized and hand-created detailed maps from areas such as the Apollo landing site and the poles of the moon to make this title an immersive experience.

At the core of Lunar Racing Championship is the RADE engine, proprietary game technology developed by VirtuePlay’s sister company, VirtueSoft.  RADE allows VirtuePlay to accurately simulate rigid bodies on the lunar surface, and its Reaction Control System will give users the ability to maintain control of their lunar racers in the moon’s unique gravitational pull.

Lunar Racing Championship will be available in Fall 2009 for PC and soon after as a coin-operated arcade game.