In the last part of 2018, Amusement Products introduced Power Up Karting to the Family Entertainment Center industry at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) trade show in Orlando.

The immersive Power Up Karting Game experience is achieved by driving over brightly lit color-changing tiles embedded in the go-kart track to earn “powers,” that when strategically used can increase the driver’s chances of winning the race. Powers include “Boosts” that will increase the speed of the kart for a limited time; “Zone Slow” that will slow down karts in the same area while that kart’s speed remains the same; “Turtle Mode” that will slow down all the karts on the track except the driver with this power; and “Shield”, a defensive power that will prevent other racers from slowing down that kart. Other special effects are built into specific “zones” around the track.

Leveraging the capabilities of their ThunderVolt Operating System, the on-board sound system is an integral part of the Power Up experience. Through the voice of a crew chief or announcer, the driver is notified of what power has been gained, as well as receiving driving tips. The driver is also notified when they are about to be slowed down.

The excitement of Power Up Karting can be added to any ThunderVolt electric kart with the Zone operating system with additional hardware and a monthly subscription, which includes kart and pit sound files, kart programming, operating system changes and technical support. Features and upgrades for Power Up Karting will be available online.

“The FEC industry’s first racing game to hit the track in a live format will put some businesses miles ahead of the competition,” said Dutch Magrath, president of Amusement Products. “The Power Up Karting Game is unique. Every race is different and learning to play is half the fun, which results in customers getting back in line to race again.”