Betson Enterprises, the amusement equipment, parts, and service distributor, has shared its thoughts on virtual reality arcade games – with guidance on how to select the most suitable VR attraction from the wide array of products on offer.
VR has become a mainstream technology and has a reach of 171 million people worldwide. Its popularity, Betson Enterprises says: “can help your business maximize sales, make your game room more innovative and challenging, and stand out from competitors”.
Attended vs. unattended
There is a vast range of VR technologies available, with experiences ranging from immersive adventure games to race simulators. “The main differentiator between these attractions,” Betson Enterprises continues “is whether they need staff (attended) or not (unattended).”
Attended VR attractions are best suited to high-footfall, well-staffed venues. These experiences often offer more group play options, with a better variety of games. Staff provide opportunities to improve customer service and visitor understanding of the experience. Attended VR attractions are also often bigger, and so can become a visual highlight of a space.
These attractions are, however, usually less profitable. Staff costs need to be considered – and also the tendency for attended VR attractions to have a slower throughput.
Unattended VR attractions don’t require staffing, are usually cheaper to install and so offer better opportunities for income generation. These games often look like arcade games (and are supported by major arcade factories) and so are easier for visitors to understand. These units can be played in single-player.
Opportunities for customer service are lacking, though, and visitors might not be able to get help when they need it. Unattended units also often lack visual impact and may be lost on the gaming floor.
“The easiest and most proven way for any location to incorporate VR is to choose a form factor already familiar, such as an arcade game.” Betson Enterprises suggests. “Raw Thrills’ King Kong of Skull Island VR, LAI Game’s Virtual Rabbids: Ultra HD, and Triotech’s Storm are all arcade games with VR. In most instances, the guest can walk up and play without assistance, additional education, or staffing needed.”
Unattended VR attractions to know
Raw Thrills – King Kong of Skull Island VR
With King Kong of Skull Island VR, Raw Thrills has pushed virtual reality to a new extreme. This cinematic VR journey combines innovative hand interactivity, motion seat action, and stunning visual effects into a unique unattended cabinet. Three episodes investigate Skull Island’s secrets and challenges.
Raw Thrills – MotoGP VR
MotoGP, the smash-hit arcade game, has been remastered for VR. MotoGP VR includes an authentic MotoGP motorcycle, available in four colours, ten refreshed international circuits, 12 remodelled bikes and superstar riders such as Fabio Quartararo. The unit includes LED lighting and a mounted wind simulator, as well as the ability to offer competitive multiplayer races by linking up to eight cabinets.
Andamiro – SpongeBob SquarePants VR Bubble Coaster
SpongeBob VR Bubble Coaster is a new, fun, unattended VR activity from Andamiro USA and Rilix, the leader in virtual reality entertainment. The game includes three immersive Bikini Bottom adventures.
LAI Games – Virtual Rabbids Ultra HD
The sector’s first attendant-free VR attraction for arcades and FECs was Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride. The Big Ride was created in collaboration with Ubisoft and was designed from the ground up to operate like any other coin-op amusement game.
LAI Games -Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade VR
Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade, the enormously popular driving simulator, is now available as an adrenaline-filled VR experience. Spectacular virtual reality images seamlessly combine reality and fantasy.
Triotech – The Storm
The Storm is a one-of-a-kind VR gaming experience that incorporates hand gesture technology and competitive gameplay. This unattended two-motion seater with impressive effects provides a thrilling and distinctive experience with excellent revenue generation.
Betson Enterprises is showcasing the latest releases from Raw Thrills at booths #821 and #833 at International Bowl Expo 2023, Orlando, 28 and 29 June. Delegates can discover the latest games – including MotoGP VR.
