Frontgrid, an expert in adventure leisure and virtual reality attractions and the creator of ParadropVR, has revealed a world-first containerised version of its Paradrop VR Pod attraction.
The mobile-VR-gamified-flying-experience, which offers an all-season outdoor entertainment platform, debuted in July in Gdańsk, Poland. Here, two ParadropVR Pods were installed within a 20-foot shipping container. Located adjacent to a prominent Ferris wheel, the attraction aims to help optimise revenue potential from established visitor footfall.
Matt Wells, CEO of Frontgrid, says: “I was introduced to the opportunity at IAAPA Orlando 2024 to explore the potential of ParadropVR as a complementary revenue stream alongside the Amber Sky wheel attraction and high-footfall leisure site in Gdansk, Poland.
“This product is particularly exciting for us because it opens up the market for ParadropVR flying anywhere, it’s a truly mobile, outdoor operable platform.
“By containerising our attraction, we’re removing the limitations of fixed locations — now you can operate it at outdoor sites, festivals, events, and on the move. It’s also perfect for brand experiences as the hardware solution is ready to go and it’s quick to either customise our existing games or create new environments.”
Mobile, outdoor VR experience
The containerised ParadropVR solution is designed specifically for outdoor and transportable operation. The attraction only needs electricity and internet to function and can be mounted on a vehicle and operated from there or hoisted into position.
Sturdy, weather-resistant construction allows the system to thrive in open-air locations with minimal additional maintenance, while upholding the levels of immersion and dependability for which Frontgrid is renowned.
The Containerised Pod includes complex engineering, with an electrically operated front door, as well as the two ParadropVR Pods that fit perfectly within the shipping container with all necessary fixtures and equipment.
Both of the 20-foot containers hold two units. Furthermore, a 40-foot container can hold up to four ParadropVR Pod units, providing high throughput for seasonal or permanent installations. The design features a kiosk for onboarding and orienting visitors, as well as various modes of payment such as coins, cards, and RFID wristbands, making it ideal for theme parks, fairs, and pop-up venues.
The system can be managed by a kiosk or can be completely unattended if paired with a payment terminal, allowing visitors to board and exit the ride by themselves. This offers easy deployment and cost-effective staffing.
ParadropVR Pod provides an exciting solo or multiplayer gamified flying experience in which users control their flight, descent, and rise through precisely tuned steering. Guests compete for top scores as they soar through virtual environments or explore recreations of real-world locations.
The installation in Gdańsk is the first of its kind worldwide, and marks a key milestone for both Frontgrid and the expanding trend of mobile and outdoor attractions. In extending access to VR beyond the limits of indoor spaces, Frontgrid is expanding the potential of immersive experiences.
Frontgrid will be attending IAAPA Expo Europe in Barcelona and IAAPA Expo in Orlando.
Last month, the company announced the installation of three ParadropVR Pod units at the newly opened Sparkx Sportainment Park in Ghent, which marks the second location for Belgium’s rapidly growing sportainment brand.
