sequel to a million-selling computer game has won company funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.Jester Interactive Publishing Ltd will create a follow-up to TT Superbikes, based on the famous Isle of Man races.
The company, based in St Asaph, Denbighshire, said riders had even used the original game to get used to the course around the island's roads.
It is the first new media company to benefit from the assembly government's £7m Wales Creative IP Fund.
'Save his life'
The TT Superbikes game was launched for PlayStation2 in 2005, and entered the chart at number five.
It held a top 10 spot for four weeks and sold more than a million copies worldwide.
The game was so successful, TT riders used it to familiarise themselves with the famous Isle of Man course.
Clark Evans, director of Jester, said: "I know of two American riders who used to practise for two or three hours a day before entering the race.
"Afterwards, one of them thanked me and said the game had helped save his life."
The sequel, still in production, will boast five new tracks, as well as recreating the Aberdare Park road races, which are held annually in south Wales.
'Extremely competitive'
Mr Evans added: "The sequel will appeal to racing game fans, casual gamers and the existing TT Superbikes players who will be able to experience a fresh challenge with new tracks, bikes and features."
The Creative IP fund is managed by Finance Wales, a subsidiary company of the assembly government.
It was set up in April 2005 to provide equity investment for feature films, TV productions, new media and music projects.
Enterprise minister Andrew Davies said: "The creative industries are worth more than £750m.
"Companies such as Jester are excellent examples of what we are achieving in Wales within what is an extremely competitive global industry."
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