Just over a year ago location-based virtual reality (VR) company The VOID entered the Canadian market through a collaboration with Cineplex, opening a VOID Experience Centre in Toronto at The Rec Room, a location designed to merge videogaming with music, live entertainment and dining. Today, the pair have announced a new, exclusive expansion agreement to add more centre’s across the country.
Cineplex now has the exclusive rights to operate The VOID concept across Canada, with a plan to open a minimum of five VOID Experience Centers over the coming years, both inside and outside of Cineplex operated properties.
“In addition to announcing this Canadian market development plan with The VOID, today we are also sharing the news that this summer we will be opening a second location in Canada at our West Edmonton Mall location of The Rec Room,” said Ellis Jacob, President and CEO, Cineplex. “Entertaining people is what we do best and this truly immersive, engaging and interactive experience is a great addition to our growing list of entertainment offerings.”
Unlike the standalone Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire experience that’s been running in the UK, a VOID Experience Centre will feature both Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire developed by ILMxLAB and Ghostbusters: Dimensions.
“We’re committed to transporting everyone, everywhere on virtual adventures. To deliver on that promise, The VOID will continue to open our unique entertainment centers in key markets and major destination cities,” said Cliff Plumer, CEO of The VOID. “Through our partnership with Cineplex, The VOID will bring immersive VR – through sight, sound, touch, smell and motion – to a broad consumer audience.”
The Canadian announcement follows further expansion plans which The VOID revealed last month, adding nine new locations across the US; Atlanta, Ga.; Austin, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Hollywood, Calif.; Minneapolis, Minn.; New York, N.Y.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Santa Monica, Calif.; and Washington, D.C. The company also has plans for an original IP, being developed in partnership with Ninja Theory called Nicodemus: Demon of Evanishment. VRFocus will continue its coverage of The VOID, reporting back with its latest announcements.