Tokyo Arcade Owner looks to VR Games to Boost Profits

In Japan, Adores Inc., aTokyo arcade operator has revealeda new virtual reality (VR) facility at itsfour-story arcade in the city'sShibuya district.

The facilityisbased on one floor of the arcade.It willshowcase high-end virtual reality in a relaxed and informalenviroment.It hashas six VRgames.These includeghost shooting, baseball, riding on a flying carpet and walking alonga narrow bridge.

ATokyo-based game company, Gree Inc., is providing the VR Games.

Eiji Araki, vice president of Gree Inc.said, “To accelerate the launch of the VR market in Japan, we think it’s important to utilize arcades and amusement parks.”

Decline of Tokyo Arcades

The president of Adores, Seiji Uehara, noted thatthe arcade industry has seen declining revenues in recent years.With the VR gamesthe firm is movingbeyond the traditional arcade business model.

The Japan Amusement Machine and Marketing Associationestimates thatannual arcade sales have fallen from around¥700 billion in 2006to just over¥420 billion in 2014 due to the proliferation of smartphones and competingoptions for leisure time activities.

Tokyo arcade looks to VR to highlight high-end tech, boost business - The Japan Times