David 
13/05/2015
Belgian game developer and proud FLEGA member LuGus Studios and drone manufacturers ImmersionRC and Fat Shark have joined forces to create Liftoff, the very first video game that translates the rush of first-person view drone racing to the digital world. The game is supported by VAF, The Flanders Audiovisual Fund.
Drones frequently get bad press, catching the public eye as espionage tools or precision weapons. A bit unfair, because there are also a wide range of positive applications like the budding sport of first-person view (FPV) racing. In this high adrenaline activity, pilots use VR goggles to steer their drones as if they were inside the tiny cockpits themselves.
“A while ago a video went viral on the internet of some people having an FPV race in a forest. It was fast, exciting and dizzying. It had a strong ‘Star Wars’ vibe,” says Tom Lissens, co-founder of LuGus Studios. “We were immediately inspired to make a game about it. Not long ago we were contacted by ImmersionRC and it turned out the video had actually been made by one of their team members. It was a match made in heaven.”
The creators of Liftoff aim for the game to be a gateway to the quadcopter racing scene, a platform both for pilots with real-life experience and for gamers with an interest in the new sport. Veterans can explore new environments or race each other. Newcomers can experiment to their heart’s desire and hone their skills before taking to the field.
Liftoff is slated to be released for PC and Mac. Further details about the game will be released at a later stage. You can watch the announcement trailer now.
