Simtec Systems, a leader in motion simulation, has announced a partnership with The VOID to develop a first-of-its-kind hyper-reality dark ride.
This will combine Simtec’s trusted motion simulators with The VOID’s multisensory “hyper-reality” platform to create cinematic worlds that offer theme-park-level throughput within a compact space.
The platform merges motion-based vehicles with VOID-designed interactivity and tactile feedback, enabling guests to steer, target, collect, and trigger events that are experienced physically and seen virtually, all without the space and set-building requirements of traditional dark rides.
Guests enjoying Simtec Systems Interactive Dark Ride System
The result is a highly synchronised, multisensory experience that brings together the finest aspects of physical and digital storytelling.
Designed to maximise ROI
“By combining Simtec´s sustained vehicle motion with VOID-style immersion, we’re delivering a smooth loading VR dark-ride experience that’s thrilling for guests and scalable for operators,” says Curtis Hickman, co-founder and chief creative officer at The VOID.
“Simulators can only move so far; ride vehicles can maintain acceleration over distance, and guests feel the difference immediately. Guests will feel what they see, with sustained accelerations and motion cues that no static simulator can match,” adds Mike Haimson, VP of North American operations at Simtec Systems.
“Coupled with The VOID’s hyper-reality platform, this is an attraction unlike anything on the market.”
Guests don headsets and haptic vests before their journey into The VOID
Designed for operators and engineered to maximise return on investment, this system allows for seamless content swapping within the software.
Different vehicles on the same track can deliver entirely varied experiences, enabling new adventures, seasonal overlays, or branded intellectual properties to be integrated with minimal downtime or physical re-theming.
It offers excellent throughput within a compact footprint, with rapid loading processes similar to those of standard attractions, thanks to the virtual separation of ride vehicles that are in close proximity. These virtual spaces appear significantly larger than the physical area, enhancing the guest experience.
Additionally, innovative VR onboarding occurs well before guests enter their vehicles, transforming the queue into part of the attraction and reducing stress.
Simtec Systems Technician preparing a large 6DOF motion base for factory testing
Lastly, this setup optimises revenue per square foot by lowering capital expenditures on sets, increasing utilisation, and reducing overlay costs compared to traditional physical renovations.
Guests start their experience by wearing lightweight, high-tech headsets and go through an augmented reality queue before boarding the vehicle.
As they go through a physical archway, they step into a limitless virtual world rich in extra-sensory experiences, exemplifying The VOID’s core design philosophy. Inside, the adventure develops through responsive multi-DOF motion, tactile feedback, and interactive elements that react to every decision.
The Simtec Systems team will exhibit at IAAPA Expo 2025 next week. The firm will be at booth #1354, showcasing the new HEXaPOT Dark Ride and more.
