It drives me nuts that what someone experiences while wearing a Google Cardboard or a Samsung GearVR is called the same thing as if they were wearing an HTC Vive.
Newsflash people, they’re not even in the same league.
The 1975 AMC Gremlin of VRThis is the Chevy Impala of Virtual Reality.This is the Maserati of VR
To point out the differences I employ a pair of “boats”, a Saturn Vue and a Maserati. You might be able to see where this is going already. In any respect give the video a quick look:
Once you’ve tried the HTC Vive (and it’s likely true for the Oculus Rift, I haven’t experienced it yet) it’s hard to go back to phone driven VR. In fact, can’t we all agree that we have to stop calling bone phone driven and computer driven VR? So not the same thing.
This is when a blog post turns into a mild rant.
Tucks soapbox neatly under the desk and returns you to your previous activities.
The first big idea is to go to your local Microsoft store. They will let you try on the HTC Vive right there. It’s a 10 minute experience that will change how you look at the world.
The second idea is to follow along on our Facebook page. We post all kinds of things related to Virtual Reality there. And we definitely will be sharing a lot more about VR gaming too.
We had such a blast at this year’s Bowl Expo that we have decided to hit a few state level shows. Send an e-mail with the subject line of “State Shows” to find out if we’ll be at a show near you. Thank you BPAA. Awesome time!!
This post was originally written for the good people stopping by booth 916 at the world’s largest bowling show, #BowlExpo17. We wanted to be able to answer one very important question for you…
Should you consider a VR Arcade as a new attraction at your bowling center?
At every show in every year it’s always the same thing. Maybe it’s not the same THING, but it’s the one thing. That one MUST HAVE new experience that will help drive customers to your venue. Want to know what is so cool about this years?
It’s the one attraction where your customers can play mini-golf, experience the feeling of rock climbing. drive any kind of vehicle you can imagine or shoot and be shot all inside of a 10’x10′ space. This, and so much more is the promise of Virtual Reality.
Please note: experiencing VR images on a 2 dimensional flat screen (like your phone or a monitor) is like saying you understand how hot boiling water is while in a Jacuzzi. That said, here are just a few of the dozens and dozens of experiences that already exist:
Like Glo-Golf with better ROI and less spaceClimbing Walls will seem easy after this VR trip.When was the last time you drove a train?
If you like “shooters” there are sooooo many options.
This was my favorite shoot em up in VR
These Zombies will only TRY to eat you in VRYou can be a Pirate? In Space?? Yes Please!
You can really get a workout in these experiences.
Want to run the ultimate obstacle course?You’ll think you’re in Tron.Life under water comes alive in VRYou can even be Master Yoda in VR
And this is barely the beginning. With over 60 (and growing weekly) licensable titlesyour customers will have so many great reasons to keep coming back for more.
What does VR gaming look like?
VR Gaming is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. And the only way to truly get it, is to slap on a pair of High End goggles connected to a super fast computer. That stuff your friend was showing you connected to a phone shouldn’t be called VR.
Although it looks totally lame in 2D relative to what’s really happening, check out this video of me playing a fun bow and arrow game in “The Lab”:
Should we be working together?
We came to #BowlExpo17 to find forward thinking centers that want to make this a reality for their customers. We know that bowling centers and VR are a tremendous match. If you are wanting a new attraction for your center, look how easy we make it to work together.
We have two options designed to get you operational based on your business’s level of tech know how and available time. The “VR Arcade Business in a Box” option takes care of your every need concierge style. The “Assisted Do it Yourselfer” plan gives you (or your smart techs) the information and training they need to get your VR Arcade up and running. Both of these plans come with our amazing VR Arcade Management Software that will help you manage your arcade and the game licensing costs.
As our valuable customer you’ll become a member of the PLVRClub where you’ll find all kinds of best practices, content and special offers. There is also a forum where you can interact with other VR Arcade Owners who bond together over their desire for all of the VR Arcades to succeed.
In short, VR Arcades will pop up in your town faster than escape rooms did. You may be in a perfect position to open the first one in your area with little alteration to your existing center. If this is something that appeals to you, be sure to contact us!
