Virtual Heroes Releases Free Download of Virtual N

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Virtual Heroes Division of Applied Research Associates has released a free download of Virtual Nuclear Security , a 3D game set in a nuclear power plant. Virtual Heroes created the game as a training tool for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Players become safeguards inspectors, following fuel bundles through seven stages of a Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) nuclear facility. Training focuses on correctly using safeguards equipment and properly directing the fuel path. The single-player game offers beginner through advanced modes, with opportunities to explore locations such as fuel loading and unloading areas, the reactor hall, and underwater storage. This public release version is designed to engage serious-game enthusiasts, as well as anyone curious about the workings of a nuclear reactor.

Says Virtual Heroes Senior Producer Márcia Clover, "We feel honored to have worked with the IAEA on this important project. This virtual training application allows safeguard inspectors, especially more junior ones, to become familiar with a PHWR facility before ever visiting one. This gives them specific information on what to look for when performing a real-world inspection, which makes inspections safer and more effective."

Virtual Nuclear Security is available for free download on the Virtual Heroes website: http://www.virtualheroes.biz/phwr

Virtual Heroes has won multiple awards for its simulations, serious games and 3D virtual worlds using AAA game-engine technology to provide interactive learning solutions for healthcare, government customers, and corporate training. More information on Virtual Heroes can be found at http://www.virtualheroes.com .

About Applied Research Associates, Inc. & Virtual Heroes

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) was founded 1979 to solve problems of national importance. The company's applied research delivers scientific solutions for national defense, homeland security, aerospace, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. With 1,100 Employee Owners at locations in the U.S. and Canada, ARA offers a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, civil engineering, biomedical engineering, environmental technologies, and blast testing and measurement.

The Virtual Heroes Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. creates collaborative interactive learning solutions for healthcare, federal systems, and corporate training markets. Advanced Learning Technologies (ALT) leverage simulation learning and digital games-based training paradigms to accelerate learning, increase user proficiency, and reduce training costs. Virtual Heroes is located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Orlando, Florida.

For more information, please visit: http://www.virtualheroes.com and http://www.ara.com . 

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=42204

Marcia Clover Senior Producer Virtual Heroes Division 919-747-7612