Hajime Tabata helping create first Paralympics game

The Paralympic website has revealed the first official video game of the International Paralympics Committee (IPC), which is being created ahead of the 2020 Paralympic Games by former Final Fantasy XV director Hajime Tabata.

"This innovative use of video games is part of the IPC's strategy to increase the engagement of the youth market in the Paralympic Games, an event that is now widely regarded as the world's third biggest sport event after the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup," the press release states.

JP Games is the studio responsible, and the game is called The Pegasus Dream Tour, the first release from the developer. It's a sports RPG where players participate in a virtual version of the Paralympics in the fictional city, and players use their Xtra Power to pursue success. "Various platforms" are being looked at, including mobile devices.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: "Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, we are eager to explore innovative ways to engage with new and younger global audiences. We believe this game will help boost interest in the Paralympic Games and make it easier for people all over the world to enjoy and experience the heated atmosphere, passion and excitement of the event."

"The sport at the Paralympics is outstanding and helps transform attitudes towards persons with disabilities like no other event. I am really excited to see and play this game and see how the outstanding abilities of Para athletes are represented."

Tabata added that "this is not just an ordinary video game about sports. JP GAMES is going to represent fully the wonders that are unique to Paralympic sports in this brand-new role-playing game - a genre we excel in.

"With this video game, we want to contribute to the future growth of the Paralympic Games, not just as a sporting event, but as entertainment as well, with contents that we hope will have lasting value in the future."

Are you excited for The Pegasus Dream Tour?