Sega Amusements International announced Drone Racing Genesis, an arcade-exclusive racing game scheduled to make its worldwide debut at IAAPA Orlando in November 2022. The title brings competitive drone flying into arcades and family entertainment centres, offering a different take on the established racing format.
For more coverage of new releases and developments across the industry, visit the RETROCADE arcade blog.
Drone racing with an arcade control system
Rather than using a steering wheel, Drone Racing Genesis places a traditional arcade joystick at the centre of its control panel. Sega selected the joystick instead of the twin thumbsticks commonly found on real-world drone controllers, with the aim of making the game approachable for casual players while still providing the precision expected by experienced players.
The cabinet uses a bright orange, yellow and white colour scheme, with a reclined seat designed to create the impression of sitting inside a futuristic drone cockpit. A colour-changing header, illuminated cabinet edges and lighting beneath the seat are intended to make the machine stand out in an arcade or FEC.
Four-player racing and selectable drones
Up to four cabinets can be linked for multiplayer races. Players can choose from five drones, each presented with its own characteristics and sponsorship livery, then compete in either a quick race or a championship mode.
Courses require racers to pass checkpoints and fly through rings on the way to the finish. Collectible “battery charge” power-ups act as boosts, allowing players to accelerate past competitors and fight for a place on the podium or the leaderboard.
The four announced environments are:
- Metro City, a brightly lit urban setting also seen in Sega’s Daytona Championship USA
- A snow-covered mountain course
- Volcanic caves in a wild nature park
- A tropical island and ocean resort setting
IAAPA 2022 debut
Sega Amusements planned to show Drone Racing Genesis at booth 1010 during IAAPA Orlando, held from 15 to 18 November 2022 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, USA. The announcement positioned the game as a new indoor entertainment option inspired by the growing global interest in drone racing and esports.
Its joystick controls, compact race structure and linked multiplayer format give operators an alternative to conventional car-based racers. Operators assessing a new driving or competitive game can also browse RETROCADE’s racing arcade range and review the arcade machine buying guide before comparing cabinet requirements.
For homes, venues and smaller arcades considering different cabinet formats, the wider arcade machines collection provides further context on the types of equipment available.
Leave a Reply