# Mars Exploration Games NASA's 'Mars 2030' Brings the Red Planet to Earth Through VR Missions By Cadhla Gray | Published 2016-01-14 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mars-2030 References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2016/01/nasa-wants-you-to-explore-mars-virtually.html) & [fortune](http://fortune.com/2015/12/21/mars-virtual-reality/) While the Star Wars movies may take viewers on a journey to a galaxy far far away, [NASA's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-nasa-app) new 'Mars 2030' game takes earthlings to the planet right next door. Even better, the virtual reality game is based on real science and data, using research from the space agency itself and MIT Aeronautics and Astronautics graduate student, Sydney Do. Mars 2030 is a single-player game that uses [Oculus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emirates-vr-experience) Rift technology to take players on interactive virtual missions to the surface of the [Red Planet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacex-fusion-concept). Traveling on foot in NASA's prototype Z-2 spacesuit, players will be able to experience the planetary environment as well as explore the proposed Mars habitat. Created in collaboration with media company, FUSION, the immersive game will be released at SXSW 2016, exciting a new generation of astronauts about the great developments that NASA is making in space exploration. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Virtual Reality Gaming:** Opportunity for game developers to create immersive, interactive experiences that transport players to new worlds. - **Realistic Simulations:** Potential for the use of accurate data and research to create realistic simulations that educate and engage users. - **Space Exploration:** Growing interest in space exploration and the potential for innovative technologies to enable human missions to other planets. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Gaming:** Gaming industry can capitalize on the rising popularity of virtual reality gaming and create VR experiences that captivate players. - **Education:** Education sector can utilize realistic simulations like 'Mars 2030' to enhance learning experiences and engage students in scientific exploration. - **Space Technology:** Space technology industry can leverage the increasing interest in space exploration to develop innovative solutions for future missions and habitats on Mars. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Space-Centric Metaverse Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-horizons.md) - [Spacefaring VR Adventure Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-wars-beyond-victory.md) - [AR Space Agency Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-nasa-app.md) - [High-Fidelity Space Voyages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interstellar-arc.md) - [Mixed Reality Intergalactic Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starship-home.md) - [Lifelike Space Exploration Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/worlds-part-1.md) - [Free-Roam VR Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-marine-ii.md) - [Family-Friendly VR Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battle-orb.md) - [Immersive Halloween-Themed VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-latency-vr.md)