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Frontgrid delivers first ParadropVR for US venue

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ParaDropVR Discover Series Paras visual

The devices include three games providing a soaring flight experience

Frontgrid, an expert in adventure leisure and virtual reality attractions, has announced the first ParadropVR for the US, to be located near Mount Rushmore.

Sprockets Fun Foundry Logo

Sprockets Fun Foundry in South Dakota will receive the operatorless, multi-player virtual reality flying experience this spring, a combination of motion-based hardware and exciting game content.

Frontgrid CEO Matt Wells says: “It is a particularly exciting installation for us as it represents our first location in the USA.

“We think the product is very suited to the US market, as it leads the way in terms of competitive socialising. In America the entertainment industry is particularly strong, so consumers are really savvy and are looking for the next best thing to impress them. ParadropVR Pod really is an exhilarating experience which offers the cutting edge in terms of virtual reality and esports experiences.”

“Nothing else like it”

Attractions manager for Sprockets Fun Foundry, Danny Pritchard says: “We chose ParadropVR Pod as a stand-out VR product which we think our customers are going to be excited by and come back again and again to fly. 

“There literally is nothing else like it in the USA at the moment, so we are particularly excited to have it at Sprockets Fun Foundry. It has been really positive of late to see recovery post-COVID-19 in the USA, regarding footfall coming back to attractions.  We expect Sprockets Fun Foundry and ParadropVR to both have a very welcoming reception from families looking to get out of the house and try something new.”

Frontgrid Discover Series - ParadropVR hardware and Snow Ghost

Launched last year, ParadropVR Pod invites riders to explore environments while flying under a canopy. The innovative multiplayer system allows guests to fly with their friends with actions translating into the game environment. Flyers choose a character, pick up collectables and can set up an online profile to participate in Parasphere, a unique global esports league.

Wells says: “It’s a great opportunity for operators as ParadropVR is a proven business model, with a competitive throughput and ROI.”

Realistic flying experience

Sprockets Fun Foundry will receive two units within South Dakota’s first fully immersive VR arena and will incorporate ParadropVR’s Discover Series of game content, a collection of three games set in a mountainous environment, fitting well within the context of nearby Mount Rushmore.

“Flyers are invited to discover their environment, by following paths marked out by rings in the sky and the natural lay of the landscape. They explore the snowy heights of the mountain tops, a secret cave system and follow a river through the more-lush lowlands.”

Frontgrid ParaDropVR Discover Series - Cave Drop

Opening in 2022, Sprockets Fun Foundry will be an all-new FEC when it opens, with a range of fully-immersive VR attractions, a contemporary arcade, a regional beer taproom and a restaurant with local specialities. Renovations are currently underway at the former Holy Terror building in Keystone, US.

Wells concludes: “ParadropVR will sit nicely within the current mix. As something new and a futuristic attraction, it will be something to talk about and will draw more footfall to the location. We are delighted to be working with Sprockets Fun Foundry and look forward to the units shortly being installed and America being able to try ParadropVR!”

In March, Frontgrid announced ASI would become the exclusive distributor for ParadropVR in the Middle East, as well as Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco.

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Adam Whittaker

Adam studied Marketing and Advertising Management at Leeds Beckett University. Originally from Lancashire and now based in Norfolk, UK, you can usually find him appreciating art deco design or on a roller coaster.

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