A TARPORLEY games firm is looking to put the wheels in motion on its latest racing title.
Brain In A Jar, based next to the Oulton Park racetrack in Tarporley, has turned to the crowdfunding Kickstarter website in an ambitious bid to raise £198,000 to drive forward development of its new simulation OpenWheel.
Carl Dalton, founder and creative director of the independent games developer, which began in 1998, explained why they turned to Kickstarter.
He said: “We have been developing OpenWheel in our spare time, while incorporating parts into other projects. The Kickstarter came about as a way to devote our whole time to it.
“We think the game itself is fresh and new – people can sign up and instantly go racing instead of having to wait around in lobby screens. You are never racing on an empty track.
“We are effectively building the bare chassis for these cars – a go-kart, a Formula Ford sort of car, a 1960s cigar-shape racer and one based on a modern IndyCar.
“People playing can customise to the nth degree, building up your own car and driver, even down to the type of goggles your driver can wear for the 1960s car.”
The development team has been making good use of the nearby Oulton Park racetrack.
Carl said: “In the summer months we do spend a lot of time at Oulton Park.
“We have been on track ourselves a few times – all in the name of research, of course – and met a few people who work there.
“We have obtained some interesting information and a few insights into how race drivers think.”
For more information on the OpenWheel Kickstarter bid, which runs until July 14, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/braininajar/openwheel.
