Arcade games, once the realm of playtime, have become the latest adult learning tool.

Ufi Limited, the company behind learndirect, has commissioned the world's first learning arcade game.

The sports simulation arcade game – Maxtrax – has been developed to help diversify the delivery and appeal of Ufi/learndirect's skills for life courses.

It is designed to motivate individuals who are reluctant learners and have traditionally felt alienated from the formal education system.

Maxtrax uses game play to engage adult skills for life learners.

The action and the speed of a driving game are combined with maths obstacles on the track and in the garage, all of which are mapped to the adult numeracy curriculum.

Players are constantly motivated to reach the next level thanks to the range of different tracks to race on, which have increasing degrees of difficulty.

Dr Ann Limb, chief executive of Ufi/learndirect, said: 'The game… has been commissioned… as a way of re-engaging the young adult community who may be reluctant to return to learning.'

The Maxtrax arcade game has been installed in ten learndirect centres across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Further information on Maxtrax is available at www.learndirect.co.uk/maxtrax