Founded in 2016, Sandbox VR is an immersive experience offering players a combination of full body motion capture and virtual reality (VR).
Players can become anyone and go anywhere, including journeying to a haunted pirate ship, fighting aliens in space or playing esports.
“We have been incredibly fortunate to have been able to survive such a devastating year for everyone in the retail and entertainment industry,” said Steve Zhao, founder and CEO of Sandbox VR.
The pandemic resulted in Sandbox VR closing all of its locations and laying off the majority of its staff. Now, the company plans to operate 15 locations by the end of 2021.
Sandbox VR optimistic about future
“The pandemic has been so isolating for everyone that we are confident once it is safe to gather with friends and family from different households they will be looking for social experiences that offer some fun and escape from the difficulties that 2020 brought,” said Zhao.
Sandbox VR is optimistic about the future as it has experienced increased demand of 30 percent from before the pandemic at its locations outside of Chicago and Austin.
The company said it has always been able to attract visitors, and revealed that 90 percent of guests book online in advance. Sandbox VR is increasing production as it anticipates even more interest after COVID-19.
“As one of the leading retail and entertainment destinations on The Strip, Grand Canal Shoppes is excited to bring Sandbox VR to guests this summer,” said Janet LaFevre, senior marketing manager of Grand Canal Shoppes.
COVID-19 recovery
“This is one of the many immersive new experiences the Shoppes has to offer and we look forward to bringing our guests even more offerings to discover new ways to indulge while enjoying a brief break from reality while visiting our destination this year.”
Sandbox VR is committed to health and safety, with private rooms on offer for each group and sanitised equipment. The company is also limiting bookings amid COVID-19.
Sandbox VR previously partnered with CBS Interactive on an immersive Star Trek virtual reality experience called Star Trek: Discovery Away Mission.
Images: Sandbox VR
