historia Inc. has released REAL MOON, a realistic lunar exploration simulation game created based on observational data and academic research.
This free-to-play lunar exploration simulator makes use of actual scientific research and data, courtesy of a partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), to recreate the surface of the Moon with extremely high levels of detail and accuracy.
Trailer:：https://youtu.be/aAkuMXQPMPI?si=oXxU8cyyO_TFV3fL
■REAL MOON: Overview
Explore a Realistic Lunar Landscape Based on Scientific Data
REAL MOON uses research carried out in association with JAXA to create an explorable environment that accurately simulates the surface of the Moon.
・DEM (Digital Elevation Model) based on the topographical data
・Crater distribution
・Rock distribution
・Relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon over time
Players will be able to explore on foot or get behind the wheel of a lunar rover for a highly authentic experience.
We will also be releasing a development blog detailing how this virtual landscape was created.
https://historia.co.jp/archives/54469/
From a Single Photo to a Precise Location
Players take control of an astronaut and must track down a specific location using a photo left behind by a probe for hints.
Locate a series of three points, and feel as if you really are exploring the surface of the Moon!
Control the Time and Place Objects to Explore the Moon How You Want
Adjust the time and explore to your heart's content in Free Mode.
Watch the Sun set and observe the way the light changes for a deeper, more immersive experience.
Objects such as rockets, flags, balls, and lights can also be placed.
Photos and Customization
While in Free Mode, take photos and freely adjust the angle, lighting, saturation, and apply different frames and filters.
Put together a unique "moon shot" and really express yourself!
■Research Partnership with JAXA
In 2024, we collaborated with JAXA to research and develop a simulated lunar environment in Unreal Engine 5. We've created a fully comprehensive lunar simulation that reproduces a wide area of the lunar landscape in great detail, including simulated physics. We aim to use this environment for various other applications in the future, including lunar rover operation simulations.
*Research particulars published by the following academic conference:
Ryo Hirasawa (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), Shun Sasaki, Mizuki Yamano, Junya Matsuda, Akira Narimatsu (historia Inc.): Development of Lunar Landscape Simulator for Successor to the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), 69th Conference of the Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences, 2025
The space industry, which is expected to expand, will likely see increased demand for lunar surface simulations. Our experience in fields like autonomous vehicles has given us extensive expertise in simulated environments. Through this research partnership, we are advancing the framework to enhance space environment reproduction technology to contribute to the space industry.
If you are considering content production using Unreal Engine, please contact us via the Contact form.
■Posting & Streaming Guidelines
You are welcome to stream gameplay of this title or to post video footage of gameplay, reviews, etc.
・Please refrain from posting or streaming anything that would damage the reputation of historia Inc., JAXA, or any of our third-party associates.
・Unauthorized use or distribution of the game's assets, including analysis or extraction of its data, is strictly prohibited.
・Please mention the game's name and provide a link to the Steam page!