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Virtuix and Funovation to unveil new esports attraction VR Arena at the IAAPA Attractions Expo

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funovation and virtuix launch omniverse VR Arena esports attraction

Virtuix, the name behind the Omni virtual reality treadmill, has partnered with small-footprint-attractions specialist, Funovation, to create new esports attraction, VR Arena.

Powered by Virtuix’s Omniverse content platform, the high-energy, four-player attraction has been designed for the location-based entertainment (LBE) market. Players can choose from 18 highly optimised VR games with the chance to win in ongoing weekly and monthly prize contests.

“We’ve been organizing esports tournaments since 2016, and we’ve learned that competitive gaming boosts revenues,” explains Jan Goetgeluk, founder and CEO of Virtuix. “Ongoing prize contests result in repeat play by guests and build a community of frequent and loyal players. Our VR Arena attraction is exciting to both elite gamers and casual players. It’s incredibly fun to run around inside your favourite game, and everyone has a chance to win.”

This unique ability for players to ‘run’ inside VR games is made possible thanks to the brand-new Omni 2.0 motion platform. According to Virtuix, it has been radically improved and optimised specifically for out-of-home esports.

VR Arena esports attraction

Take part in global esports tournament at Funovation and Virtuix Booth #2854

Suited to venues of all sizes, the attraction has a compact footprint of 375 ft2 (35m2) and is highly automated to reduce staffing needs. It offers a built-in staging area for quick player setup, a 4:1 player-to-attendant ratio, and a queuing app to improve customer relationships and eliminate revenue-losing wait lines.

Other benefits include social mini-games and post-game social media stations to share gameplay footage which feature the venue’s logo.

“VR Arena combines the compact footprint of tethered VR attractions with the full immersion of free-roam VR, while being a lot more affordable,” adds Ryan Borton, CEO of Funovation. “We’re especially excited about increasing repeat play through esports, which is the next horizon in location-based family entertainment.”

Meet the Virtuix and Funovation teams and see the VR Arena in action at Booth #2854, IAAPA Attractions Expo, Orlando, from 13th to 16th November, 2018. Buyers will also benefit from a ‘show special’ discount. 

Expo attendees can even take part in a global esports tournament featuring the popular shooter, Omni Arena, (2-player co-operative mode). The tournament offers more than $5,000 in cash prizes, and the winning team takes home $2,000.

Sign up here for a VIP demo at IAAPA and a fast-pass to participate in the esports tournament.

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Charles Read

Charles is managing director at blooloop. He attends numerous trade shows around the world and frequently speaks about trends and social media for the attractions industry at conferences. Outside of blooloop, his passions are diving, trees and cricket.

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