Earning your virtual diving license in this scuba sim

Cascade Game Foundry is teaming up with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors to develop its scuba diving simulation game Infinite Scuba, the Seattle-based studio has announced.

In Infinite Scuba, players are instructed in diving techniques and explore underwater environments modeled about real, historical dive sites. At these sites, players can observe sea creatures, take photos and search for sunken artifacts. According to Cascade, Infinite Scuba will walk players through steps modeled after those needed to earn real-life PADI diving certification. Titles players can earn include Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Underwater Photographer and Underwater Naturalist.

PADI, a group that Cascade notes has previously done work with Microsoft and was "instrumental" in developing Infinite Scuba, has helped to create what CGF calls an "Indiana Jones meets Jacques Cousteau" adventure. Other partners on the project include scuba gear maker Scubapro, through which players are able to customize their diving avatar's gear.

Infinite Scuba is currently available for $9.99 through the game's website on Windows PC and Mac, though Cascade is continuing to work on the project.