No matter where you are or where you go the use of virtual reality (VR) in particular among the immersive technologies continues to grow in the Digital Out-of-Home Entertainment (DOE) market. It’s something that the site follows very regularly as part of its semi-regular The Virtual Arena column, through it we’ve seen that not only VR related rides and experiences on both a small and large scale are continuously being developed for market across the venue spectrum, ranging from arcades to casinos.
Standalone VR specialist venues, arenas and so forth have also seen a surge of popularity. With new businesses founded and locations large and small being revealed across America, Europe, Asia and beyond. In the UK there are now multiple locations within the London area hosting The VOID and popular experienceStar Wars: Secrets Of The Empire. Then back in February we covered how BANDAI NAMCO are spearheading their own mini-push within the industry. Teaming with existing locations, such as those operated by the chain Hollywood Bowl and bringing to those VR Zone Portal – a smaller scale spin-off of its own VR Zone location in Japan.
It’s not just within the capital that you can find VR arcades and spaces, however. A new VR business is opening in England’s second city Birmingham. Birmingham is no stranger to VR, having already The VR Hub on Gibb Street and Matrix VR Virtual Reality Gaming Arcade and Cinema at the famous Custard Factory venue. Not to mention being the home to a number of VR related companies, such as Holosphere VR.
Now the UK-based Immotion Group, which raised £1.3 Million back in December and that specialises in location-based VR have revealed they are going to be adding to this with a new VR centre in Birmingham, called Vortex Arena, which has been installed in the ground floor of Resorts World Birmingham making the third Vortex destination within the retail space.
“We’re delighted to work with Resorts World and provide them with our range of highly immersive VR experiences and motion platforms.” Said Martin Higginson, Executive Chairman of Immotion Group. “Players will be able to experience the delights of virtual reality first hand. From the thrills of roller coaster rides to deep sea diving, shooting zombies, to intergalactic motorcycle racing.”
You can see a teaser trailer, which shows off 3Glasses branded headsets being used at the venue, below.
As can be seen in The Virtual Arena’s IAAPA’17coverage, the adoption of virtual reality (VR) technology into the international scene has continued apace – and the UK and Europe scene are no different. Kevin Williams continues his exclusive coverage of developments in the International VR Out-of-Home entertainment scene – by visiting the UK’s largest amusement trade show.
The amusement trade floor.
The 9th European Amusement and Gaming Expo (EAG) International Visitor Attraction Expo (VAE) at London’s ExCel venue, held last week – and the impression that immersive virtual attractions were having on the scene was self-evident, where last year there had be no exhibitors, this year’s event so a major upswing in interest in this technology.
British based company Immotion was one of the most prominent VR exhibitors with the full range of their VR amusement pieces. Fresh from the opening of their VRStar facility in Bristol – you can see a video of The Stinger Report’s coverage of the venue below. The company was presenting their systems to the show’s attendees – with their motorcycle, race car, and 9D simulators, developed by Chinese VR park developer LEKE VR and all running Depoon DP E3 headsets.
Another appearance of the Chinese VR manufacturing scene was on a UK distributor’s booth – with the company Movie Power exhibiting their VR Family, six-seater ride simulator platform running 3Glasses headsets. The system, as it stands, represents the early phase of VR amusement development with much of the limitations of earlier times evident.
Riders “experience” the thrills of the VR Family
One of the latest phase of VR ride simulators was represented by the same UK distributor representing the LAI Gaming Virtual RabbidsRide – the two-seat D-BOX powered simulator offering three ride experiences based on the popular Ubisoft property (running HTC Vive headsets).
Thills and spills with the Rabbids
The amusement developer UNIS was represented by their UK distributor who brought over to the show their Omni Arena platform, based in turn around the Virtuix Omni-direction platform. They were also running their brand-new Omni Arena eSports tournament platform, all of which were also operating with HTC Vive headsets.
Competitive action from the Omni Arena
European firm Hologate started 2018 following on from the success achieved during 2017, bringing their Hologate VR platform to the London show at their own booth. The system running had up to four-players taking part in a frantic shoot ’em up experience, defending their position. The system using a novel ceiling mounted tether system with their HTC Vive headsets to address the issue of cable management. The company revealed plans for a brand-new videogame to be launched on their platform soon.
Fully immersed witnin the Hologate universe
Represented by distributor BANDAI NAMCO, the company A.i.Solve presented their WePlayVR system to the EAG attendance. The system using a backpack PC and HTC headset system, with the players navigating the virtual environment within their specially developed enclosure incorporating vibrating panels and special maze layout. With already sixteen units placed in the field, the hardware has gained much interest.
Navigating the virtual labyrinth from A.i.Solve
Eastern European based Stereolife brought three examples of their VR platforms, with their Flyer, a single player motion capsule with unique motion platform, offering 15 different experiences including interactive games as well as rides. Their stand-upEMotion platform, and their Rifter twin seat motion simulator using VR experiences. (All the systems powered by Oculus Rift head-mounted displays).
The single seat Flyer platform.
Along with the rest of the amusement sales on display at EAG 2018, the show organizers also held for attendees a one-day seminar covering the impact of VR and the amusement trade, moderated by KWP, allowing operators to hear from manufacturers, VR arcade operators and industry specialist on the issues and opportunities this technology offers their business. It popular and with standing room only.
A seminar on how business can profit from VR.
An explosion of VR Arcades has hit the Western market, and KWP recently visited several the newly emerging venues in the UK (you can find a video of some of those visited here). There continues to be a growth in developer in the capital, with London seeing plans for the opening of a dedicated VR Arena-Scale entertainment operation for later next month following on from the temporary Star Wars VR experience that opened last month.
The hard nose amusement and attractions trade now looking to see VR entertainment products generate serious revenue to prove their ability to prove a competitive opportunity to the other immersive entertainment tech that is gaining traction in the industry. While consumer application of VR fight to find its footing, the Out-of-Home entertainment scene seems to be gaining momentum.
Expect more news of major developments in the VR Out-of-Home entertainment scene in the coming weeks – with a special report from America’s leading amusement trade event in Las Vegas, and many exclusive new hardware and facility announcements – be sure to look out for more editions of The Virtual Arena, here exclusively on VRFocus.
Continuing the coverage of the Digital Out-of-Home Entertainment (DOE) applications of Virtual Reality, in his second part of Kevin Williams, charts developments that were seen at the leading International Amusement and Attraction convention in Orlando.
In this next part of our coverage from the show floor of the largest trade event dedicated to the theme park, attraction and amusement industry:
VR Standalone Enclosures
As previously covered in our first report from the record breaking International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo (IAE); and we follow on from the developers of facility based free-roaming VR backpack, multi-player experiences, we have seen new developments in this business approach.
Many exhibitors at IAE saw the appearance of Standalone VR Enclosures, that can offer the VR backpack experience with in a compact foot-print. These pop-up modular designs have gained momentum and made a big splash onto the scene. Leading the charge was media attraction developer TRIOTECH who in a far-reaching agreement partnered with game publishing powerhouse Ubisoft towards releasing their Virtual Maze. Developed with Asterion VR, this modular maze VR experience was launched to the IAE audience running Virtual Rabbids: The Big Maze. But this was revealed to only be the start, with TRIOTECH and Ubisoft taking to the stage to announce their partnership, and following the Rabbids title, will in 2018 also launch a game based on the successful Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Ernest Yale, President and CEO of Triotech and Deborah Papiernik, senior vice president of new business for UbisoftThe TRIOTECH Virtual Maze in action
Major partnerships to drive adoption of new VR attractions is a common component of the growth of the Out-of-Home entertainment industries approach. Regarding development of Standalone VR Enclosures’, another prominent developer at the show was A.i. Solve, who presented their WePlayVR – a popular VR backpack enclosure system, having players’ either navigating a virtual temple, or alien invasion. In partnership with leading amusement manufacturer and distributor BANDAI NAMCO Amusement, the companies have already installed the system in over thirteen locations, with many more sales chalked up during the show.
The WePlayVR experience
VR Standalone Platforms
Beyond the dedicated enclosures, several exhibitors promoted standalone (pop-up) VR platforms, created to be placed in a wide variety of venues ranging from shopping malls, cinema foyers, and family entertainment centres (FEC). These standalone approaches came in multiple varieties – leading lasertag and escape room specialist, Creative Works has partnered with the developers of the HoloGate VR platform; a four-player VR platform for FEC operators to deploy. The tethered VR experience using the HTC Vive head-mounted display, and offering a competitive multi-player experience that proved popular with many of Creative Works clients.
The HoloGate VR system in full flow
Another company offering a plug-and-play solution for operators that want to deploy a unique VR experience was motion cinema seat developer MediaMotion. The company promoting their ReactiVR product range that includes the ‘Motion VR’ platform, a two-seat MediaMotion MX4D motion-seat, linked to HTC Vive headset and controllers. The company demonstrating available game content working directly with Skydance Interactive (Archangel) and The Rogue Initiative (Steel Cobras) to integrate their games with this immersive seat configuration.
The Motion VR experience
The ability to drop a turn-key VR solution was demonstrated from VRX Networks. The company has presented their VRX Zone – the platform partnering with Hollywood movie studios to produce VR interactive blockbuster movie experiences, leveraging the power of the big marketing budgets. VRX Networks looking to have installed at over 50 installations by the end of the year. Running on their Oculus VR headsets games promoting The Emoji Movie, Jigsaw and Jumanji motion pictures.
Various examples of turn-key VR standalone solutions were also seen from SMAAASH, an Indian based developer of FEC facilities and attractions for their market. The company promoted their Finger Coaster VR virtual rollercoaster and Vertigo, their walk-the-plank experienced. Another standalone approach was from CXC Simulations – the company famous for their competitive network racing simulator race rooms, have turned to VR applications with their over 20 facilities running VR race rooms, employing the HTC headset.
The Chinese developers have lead the charge in the out-of-home adoption of VR entertainment systems, and the leading developers came on mass to IAE to offer interested operators a range of platforms. Manufacturer NINED presented their range of products including the Baby Bear virtual viewers for younger guests, all the way up to the KAT Walk platform. The unique omni-direction VR system, offer competitive experiences.
The KAT Walk network experience
The other Chinese developers included Movie Power, with their Skiing VR piece and their more traditional egg-shaped 9D VR ride experiences. While developer Skyfun Animation showed their own selection of VR systems such as the motorcycle system Crazy Motorbike VR – these systems using the Deepoon BPVR E3 headset. One Chinese developer, LEKE VR, came to the Orlando show with their stylish racing car experience called the VR Racer. It was revealed that the company has signed an exclusive partnership with new UK operation Immotion Group – and following a fundraising of some £1.3m, the new operation plans to distribute VR Arcade pieces into the West.
VR Amusement Platforms
The ability to offer a VR experience in a package that operates similarly to a conventional video amusement piece has not been lost on developers of the latest platforms. Amusement machine manufacturers embracing the new technology to develop amusement quality VR standalone platforms, and the leading examples made the trip to IAE.
No stranger too VR amusement pieces, UNIS had already partnered last year with VIRTIX to launch their Omni Arena – network gaming experience that is now supported by the brand new Omniverse – a proprietary content delivery and arcade management platform for use by commercial Omni operators around the world. The UNIS booth at IAE saw two new VR systems, with the launch in the West of the game D-Day 2077 – a alien invasion VR experience with the player wielding a Gatling gun. The other game was Tiger Knight an ancient Chinese knight horse riding game. These games dependant on the use of the HTC Vive headset.
The UNIS based D-Day 2077
Amusement manufacturer LAI Games released Virtual Rabbids, the latest developer to partner with Ubisoft to utilize the lovable Rabbids brand. With their new VR amusement piece, the company has developed a two-rider motion simulator with three selectable VR experiences, LAI Games promoting the systems as the first attendant-free VR ride experience that is operated and serviced like any other coin-op amusement game.
Virtual Rabbids
VR Special Attractions
With a crowded show floor with the latest trends for the theme park and attraction sector – VR was defiantly a ubiquitous technology with many examples popping up across the event, not a niche but a definite trend in the market.
Of the less than usual applications seen at the show, and D3D Cinema, a company working with science museums and planetariums, has partnered with SOMNIACS to launch their Birdly VR physical flight simulator – the company revealing that they have placed the system in several museums, and are now looking to the amusement sector.
The big surprise in deploying VR into DOE saw the waterpark industry apply VR into their future business. The developer Ballast presented the on the Wiegand Sports booth what they called the world’s first aquatic VR headset – in partnership with the water slide developer, they are launching their VR Slide a system that marries a specially created VR experience.
The prototype Ballast waterproof headset
But Ballast was not the only developer of a waterproof VR headset for application in water parks. Turkish based Polin Waterparks, through their new interactive entertainment division Polin Games has partnered with VR specialist Polymorph to create their SplashVR – running a demonstration on their booth, with guests sitting in a rubber ring and using Samsung Gear VR’s, the actual attraction will use the specially developed waterproof headset of their design – riders viewing a unique game experience while traversing down the water ride.
The production version of the SplashVR waterproof headset
A demonstration of the SplashVR system
VR was everywhere at the IAE theme park show, even seeing it applied in a Mixed Reality experience. Created by N-Flatables, an inflatable race track accommodating RC car, specially configured with their own camera, what transmits the images to players wearing headsets and controlling the vehicles (called Live-Drive RC). This unique game experience is developed as a perfect private hire style attraction used for parties, and temporary installations.
The Live-Drive RC announcement
With the end of IAE for another year, it was clear that VR was fully imbedded in the thinking of the DOE scene. While the consumer videogame scene is still finding it hard to establish true mainstream momentum for the technology – some observers claiming that the latest consumer adoption of VR has stalled – for the attraction and amusement industry there has been an incredibly large investment towards deploying immersive technology into the mainstream business.
As an observer of the immersive technology scene, for me 2018 will be the proof of the pudding for this latest attempt to adopt VR into the attraction scene. We will now be in a position in the coming months where we will see a slew of new VR based attractions and operations opening across the globe. It will be this point where we see if VR can pay it way, and that this latest attempt to adopt the tech will be more than a novelty, and a bankable business – we will endeavour to cover the main developments in this sector in VRFocus.
Kevin Williams will return with The Virtual Arena in the New Year.
Continuing the coverage of the Digital Out-of-Home Entertainment (DOE) applications of Virtual Reality, in his second part of Kevin Williams, charts developments that were seen at the leading International Amusement and Attraction convention in Orlando.
In this next part of our coverage from the show floor of the largest trade event dedicated to the theme park, attraction and amusement industry:
VR Standalone Enclosures
As previously covered in our first report from the record breaking International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo (IAE); and we follow on from the developers of facility based free-roaming VR backpack, multi-player experiences, we have seen new developments in this business approach.
Many exhibitors at IAE saw the appearance of Standalone VR Enclosures, that can offer the VR backpack experience with in a compact foot-print. These pop-up modular designs have gained momentum and made a big splash onto the scene. Leading the charge was media attraction developer TRIOTECH who in a far-reaching agreement partnered with game publishing powerhouse Ubisoft towards releasing their Virtual Maze. Developed with Asterion VR, this modular maze VR experience was launched to the IAE audience running Virtual Rabbids: The Big Maze. But this was revealed to only be the start, with TRIOTECH and Ubisoft taking to the stage to announce their partnership, and following the Rabbids title, will in 2018 also launch a game based on the successful Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Ernest Yale, President and CEO of Triotech and Deborah Papiernik, senior vice president of new business for UbisoftThe TRIOTECH Virtual Maze in action
Major partnerships to drive adoption of new VR attractions is a common component of the growth of the Out-of-Home entertainment industries approach. Regarding development of Standalone VR Enclosures’, another prominent developer at the show was A.i. Solve, who presented their WePlayVR – a popular VR backpack enclosure system, having players’ either navigating a virtual temple, or alien invasion. In partnership with leading amusement manufacturer and distributor BANDAI NAMCO Amusement, the companies have already installed the system in over thirteen locations, with many more sales chalked up during the show.
The WePlayVR experience
VR Standalone Platforms
Beyond the dedicated enclosures, several exhibitors promoted standalone (pop-up) VR platforms, created to be placed in a wide variety of venues ranging from shopping malls, cinema foyers, and family entertainment centres (FEC). These standalone approaches came in multiple varieties – leading lasertag and escape room specialist, Creative Works has partnered with the developers of the HoloGate VR platform; a four-player VR platform for FEC operators to deploy. The tethered VR experience using the HTC Vive head-mounted display, and offering a competitive multi-player experience that proved popular with many of Creative Works clients.
The HoloGate VR system in full flow
Another company offering a plug-and-play solution for operators that want to deploy a unique VR experience was motion cinema seat developer MediaMotion. The company promoting their ReactiVR product range that includes the ‘Motion VR’ platform, a two-seat MediaMotion MX4D motion-seat, linked to HTC Vive headset and controllers. The company demonstrating available game content working directly with Skydance Interactive (Archangel) and The Rogue Initiative (Steel Cobras) to integrate their games with this immersive seat configuration.
The Motion VR experience
The ability to drop a turn-key VR solution was demonstrated from VRX Networks. The company has presented their VRX Zone – the platform partnering with Hollywood movie studios to produce VR interactive blockbuster movie experiences, leveraging the power of the big marketing budgets. VRX Networks looking to have installed at over 50 installations by the end of the year. Running on their Oculus VR headsets games promoting The Emoji Movie, Jigsaw and Jumanji motion pictures.
Various examples of turn-key VR standalone solutions were also seen from SMAAASH, an Indian based developer of FEC facilities and attractions for their market. The company promoted their Finger Coaster VR virtual rollercoaster and Vertigo, their walk-the-plank experienced. Another standalone approach was from CXC Simulations – the company famous for their competitive network racing simulator race rooms, have turned to VR applications with their over 20 facilities running VR race rooms, employing the HTC headset.
The Chinese developers have lead the charge in the out-of-home adoption of VR entertainment systems, and the leading developers came on mass to IAE to offer interested operators a range of platforms. Manufacturer NINED presented their range of products including the Baby Bear virtual viewers for younger guests, all the way up to the KAT Walk platform. The unique omni-direction VR system, offer competitive experiences.
The KAT Walk network experience
The other Chinese developers included Movie Power, with their Skiing VR piece and their more traditional egg-shaped 9D VR ride experiences. While developer Skyfun Animation showed their own selection of VR systems such as the motorcycle system Crazy Motorbike VR – these systems using the Deepoon BPVR E3 headset. One Chinese developer, LEKE VR, came to the Orlando show with their stylish racing car experience called the VR Racer. It was revealed that the company has signed an exclusive partnership with new UK operation Immotion Group – and following a fundraising of some £1.3m, the new operation plans to distribute VR Arcade pieces into the West.
VR Amusement Platforms
The ability to offer a VR experience in a package that operates similarly to a conventional video amusement piece has not been lost on developers of the latest platforms. Amusement machine manufacturers embracing the new technology to develop amusement quality VR standalone platforms, and the leading examples made the trip to IAE.
No stranger too VR amusement pieces, UNIS had already partnered last year with VIRTIX to launch their Omni Arena – network gaming experience that is now supported by the brand new Omniverse – a proprietary content delivery and arcade management platform for use by commercial Omni operators around the world. The UNIS booth at IAE saw two new VR systems, with the launch in the West of the game D-Day 2077 – a alien invasion VR experience with the player wielding a Gatling gun. The other game was Tiger Knight an ancient Chinese knight horse riding game. These games dependant on the use of the HTC Vive headset.
The UNIS based D-Day 2077
Amusement manufacturer LAI Games released Virtual Rabbids, the latest developer to partner with Ubisoft to utilize the lovable Rabbids brand. With their new VR amusement piece, the company has developed a two-rider motion simulator with three selectable VR experiences, LAI Games promoting the systems as the first attendant-free VR ride experience that is operated and serviced like any other coin-op amusement game.
Virtual Rabbids
VR Special Attractions
With a crowded show floor with the latest trends for the theme park and attraction sector – VR was defiantly a ubiquitous technology with many examples popping up across the event, not a niche but a definite trend in the market.
Of the less than usual applications seen at the show, and D3D Cinema, a company working with science museums and planetariums, has partnered with SOMNIACS to launch their Birdly VR physical flight simulator – the company revealing that they have placed the system in several museums, and are now looking to the amusement sector.
The big surprise in deploying VR into DOE saw the waterpark industry apply VR into their future business. The developer Ballast presented the on the Wiegand Sports booth what they called the world’s first aquatic VR headset – in partnership with the water slide developer, they are launching their VR Slide a system that marries a specially created VR experience.
The prototype Ballast waterproof headset
But Ballast was not the only developer of a waterproof VR headset for application in water parks. Turkish based Polin Waterparks, through their new interactive entertainment division Polin Games has partnered with VR specialist Polymorph to create their SplashVR – running a demonstration on their booth, with guests sitting in a rubber ring and using Samsung Gear VR’s, the actual attraction will use the specially developed waterproof headset of their design – riders viewing a unique game experience while traversing down the water ride.
The production version of the SplashVR waterproof headset
A demonstration of the SplashVR system
VR was everywhere at the IAE theme park show, even seeing it applied in a Mixed Reality experience. Created by N-Flatables, an inflatable race track accommodating RC car, specially configured with their own camera, what transmits the images to players wearing headsets and controlling the vehicles (called Live-Drive RC). This unique game experience is developed as a perfect private hire style attraction used for parties, and temporary installations.
The Live-Drive RC announcement
With the end of IAE for another year, it was clear that VR was fully imbedded in the thinking of the DOE scene. While the consumer videogame scene is still finding it hard to establish true mainstream momentum for the technology – some observers claiming that the latest consumer adoption of VR has stalled – for the attraction and amusement industry there has been an incredibly large investment towards deploying immersive technology into the mainstream business.
As an observer of the immersive technology scene, for me 2018 will be the proof of the pudding for this latest attempt to adopt VR into the attraction scene. We will now be in a position in the coming months where we will see a slew of new VR based attractions and operations opening across the globe. It will be this point where we see if VR can pay it way, and that this latest attempt to adopt the tech will be more than a novelty, and a bankable business – we will endeavour to cover the main developments in this sector in VRFocus.
Kevin Williams will return with The Virtual Arena in the New Year.
With high-end virtual reality (VR) experiences, a great deal of expensive equipment is needed, as well as a suitable amount of space to enjoy room-scale VR experiences. This means that for many people, high-quality VR is out of reach, hence the rise of location-based VR centres, such as the newly opened VR Star centre in Bristol, UK.
Recently opened in the Cabot Circus Shopping Centre in Bristol is the VR Star VR experience centre, which has now taken its place as one of the largest such centres to be opened in the UK so far. With a grand opening taking place on 15th December, 2017, the centre offers a range of VR experiences using physical props and feedback to provide a more immersive experience to customers.
Content available includes a motorbike racing title where users can sit on a bike seat and experience VR visuals inspired by classic film Tron as they race through a neon-lit landscape, or they can take a position controlling a mounted gatling gun and mow down encroaching enemies, or try a hand at caring and feeding dinosaurs. A 4D immersive theatre is also on offer.
The hardware and content on offer is provided by UK-based VR technology company Immotion, whose stated aim is to produce high-quality ‘out of home’ VR experiences, combining premium graphics along with immersive sound so customers can enjoy 360-degree movies or interactive videogames.
Arek Antoniak, Operations Manager of VR Star said: “The launch of our first centre in Bristol is hugely exciting. If you have only ever experienced VR at home or a quick demo in a shop, then you are going to be blown away by our platforms. They engage all your senses to create something that is genuinely immersive and thrilling. The good news is we will be open in time for the height of the Christmas shopping season. Shoppers in Bristol can escape the crowds and enjoy a whole new world!”
Further information on the VR Star centre, including booking options, pricing and opening hours, is available on the VR Star website. VRFocus will continue to report on new and upcoming VR experiences around the world.
Immotion Group, a UK-based technology startup that specialises in location-based virtual reality (VR) experiences has announced a £1.3 million investment to help launch its platform in Europe and the US.
Securing the funding from a range of strategic investors, Immotion Group was set up by Martin Higginson and David Marks, experienced technology and media entrepreneurs whose successes include Netplay TV and Monstermob which grew to become one of AIM’s Top 50 listed businesses.
Immotion’s VR Experience Platforms are a combination of motion activated chairs to deliver that feeling of presence inside a VR experience, alongside immersive audio and high-end visuals, from custom made in-house content. Recently, the group made a couple of strategic acquisitions in the form of Manchester-based CGI creative house, Studio Liddell, and LA-based creative movie maker, C2K. Both companies will help bolster Immotion’s ability to produce bespoke content for its platforms, whether it be 360-degree real life movies or CGI originated interactive experiences.
“The best VR experiences will be out of home allowing you to engage all the senses to deliver something truly immersive. We’ve spent the last 12 months understanding the immersive reality market which has had $4 billion invested in it over the last two years,” said Martin Higginson, CEO, Immotion Group, in a statement. “We have seen what is needed to deliver a great experience. Bringing together the best VR motion platforms along with amazing immersive content will allow us to help users genuinely escape reality.”
Customers for Immotion’s VR Experience Platforms are expected to include shopping centres and theme parks, with the first to be installed at VRStar in Bristol. VRStar is scheduled to open on 15th December, 2017, with reservations already being taken.
Orders for the Immotion VR platforms were further underpinned following a successful outing to IAAPA in Florida, with the team securing further orders for centres in Europe and USA.
December is looking to be a good month for VR fans. Not only has DOOM VFR arrived and Fallout 4 VR is due to launch next week, but for UK residents there’s The VOID’s Star Wars: Secrets of the Empirewhich opens in London on 16th December.
For the latest news on location-based VR, keep reading VRFocus.
Now the UK-based Immotion Group, which raised £1.3 Million back in December and that specialises in location-based VR have revealed they are going to be adding to this with a new VR centre in Birmingham, called Vortex Arena, which has been installed in the ground floor of Resorts World Birmingham making the third Vortex destination within the retail space.
