A Breakdown of Virtual Reality Arcade Games

3 Minute Read

Did you know virtual reality (VR) will reach over 70 million users by 2023?

It’s no wonder the virtual reality industry is one of the most discussed technologies. VR can help your business maximize sales, make your game room more innovative and challenging, and stand out from competitors.

Whether you own a bowling alley, skating rink, or an entire Family Entertainment Center (FEC), adding virtual reality attractions to your business is a worthwhile investment.

Is VR suitable for your business?

Read on as we break down the different types of virtual arcade games.

What is Virtual Reality Gaming?

VR gaming describes a new generation of computer-based games that give players an immersive, first-person perspective of game action. The games allow users to enjoy the thrill of realistic racing environments or to run and battle zombies, robots, and each other in an arena. The main differentiator between these attractions is whether they need staff (attended) or not (unattended). Let’s walk through the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Attended vs. Unattended VR

Attended VR Attractions

Attended units continue to be most successful in heavy traffic and well-staffed locations, which can actively market their attractions to visitors and have the staff to manage them.

Benefits of Attended

More group play capability. Sell as part of an attraction package.
It takes up a larger space so that it can be a centerpiece.
Often has a variety of games to choose from.
Allows a better understanding of the game before playing due to attendant.

Drawbacks of Attended

Less revenue per square foot, on average.
Slower throughput.
The cost of the attendant.

Unattended VR Attractions

Many locations don’t have the employee bandwidth to adequately staff an attended attraction to give it the attention it needs to perform at its best. If you don’t have the staff to manage this experience, then unattended VR arcade games might be the best option.

Benefits of Unattended

Usually, a lower cost of equipment and better revenue per square foot.
Easy to understand and ride for all ages.
It doesn’t require a group to play.
No attendant.
Looks like an arcade game.
Major arcade factories support them.

Drawbacks of Unattended

Customers may not understand how to start the game or put on a headset properly.
While a big game, they don’t stand up against other large arcade games.

The easiest and most proven way for any location to incorporate VR is to choose a form factor already familiar with, such as an arcade game. Raw Thrills’ King Kong of Skull Island VR, LAI Game’s Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride, and Triotech’s Storm are all arcade games with VR. The guest can walk up and play, in most instances, without assistance, additional education, or staffing needed.

Top Unattended VR Attractions

Raw Thrills – King Kong of Skull Island™ VR

Raw Thrills has taken the virtual reality experience to the next level with King Kong of Skull Island™ VR. This cinematic VR adventure weaves advanced hand interactivity, exciting motion seat action, and dazzling visual effects into one show-stopping unattended cabinet. Three immersive episodes explore the mysteries and dangers that lurk across Skull Island.

LAI Games – Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride

Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride was the industry’s first attendant-free VR attraction for arcades and FECs. LAI Games was developed from the ground up to operate like any other coin-op amusement game; The Big Ride was created in partnership with leading game developer Ubisoft.

Triotech – The Storm™

The Storm™ is a one-of-a-kind VR gaming experience with hand gesture technology and competitive gameplay. This operator-free two-motion seater with special effects offers a unique and thrilling ride with a high ROI.

If you’re on the fence about investing in these games for your business, we hope this blog post has helped. Call us today to learn more about how VR arcade games can benefit your business.