What is a VR arcade?

Do you remember when arcades were full of dusty old slot machines and men in dirty raincoats? No, just me, then. 

Every seaside town had an arcade where you could take your children and teach them how to gamble while feeding them fat-soaked carbohydrates – those were the days.

The humble arcade is about to get a makeover and isn’t virtual; it’s real, where oddbods and teenagers alike can immerse themselves in VR (virtual reality) and never learn the art of conversation – watch out Dreamland Margate; the future is coming for you!

So, what exactly is a VR arcade? It’s a bit like the old arcades, only instead of slot machines, there are VR headsets, and instead of 50p pieces, you’ll be shelling out for hourly rates. 

There will still be some random dodgy old man, but the chances are he’s the owner or the guy handing out the headsets (take your hand sanitiser).

What can you expect from a VR arcade?

You can expect various games, from first-person shooters to zombie apocalypses. The arcades are usually big dark spaces that have been kitted out with the latest in VR technology. You’ll need to book in advance and pay for your session, but it’s well worth it.

Most VR arcades will have various games to amuse you, and some will offer multiplayer experiences. The great thing about VR is that it immerses you in the game; you feel like you’re really there. It’s the closest thing to being in another world, which is why it’s so popular with gamers.

A VR arcade is worth checking out if you’re looking for something different. It’s a novel way to spend an afternoon, and you might get hooked on virtual reality. Who knows, we might even see a resurgence in the popularity of the humble arcade (unlikely). Stranger things have happened.

How many VR arcades are there in Britain?

There are currently around 50 VR arcades in the UK, with more popping up all the time. The popularity of VR is skyrocketing, and it’s not hard to see why. It offers a unique gaming experience you can’t get at home (unless you have a VR headset, of course).

VR arcades are generally in places that used to have a bowling alley or cinema complex; in some cases, VR arcades have been introduced to bring audiences back to these large entertainment complexes.

Do VR arcades make money?

Yes, VR arcades are making money. The concept is still relatively new but constantly growing in popularity. People are willing to pay to immerse themselves in another world, even if it’s just for a while

The great thing about VR is that people can use it for corporate events, team-building exercises, and even stag/hen parties. There’s a lot of potential for VR arcades to make money, and they’re only going to become more popular as time goes on.

Are VR arcades profitable?

Yes, VR arcades are undoubtedly profitable. The demand for VR is increasing, and more headsets must be made to keep up with personal demand. 

A lack of affordable headsets is where VR arcades come in; they provide a service people are willing to pay good money to enjoy.

The key to making a VR arcade profitable is to have a good selection of games and to keep up with the latest VR technology. Arcades that don’t do this will quickly become outdated and lose customers to the competition.

What are the challenges of starting a VR arcade?

There are some challenges when it comes to starting a VR arcade. The biggest challenge is finding the right location; you need somewhere with good footfall and easy access. You also need to have enough space for all your equipment.

Another challenge is keeping up with the latest VR technology, headsets, and games. The latest tech can be expensive, and staying ahead of the curve is essential to keep your customers coming back.

What are the benefits of starting a VR arcade?

There are plenty of benefits when it comes to starting a VR arcade. The most significant advantage is that you’ll be at the forefront of the latest technology; people will come to you to experience the latest and greatest in virtual reality.

Another benefit is that you can charge for your services. People are happy to pay to immerse themselves in another world. This means you can profit well if you run your business correctly.

What do I need to start a VR arcade?

If you’re thinking of starting a VR arcade, you’ll need a few things. Firstly, you’ll need some VR headsets; we recommend the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. You’ll also need a careful selection of games and a PC to run them.

It’s also important to have a good location with good footfall and easy access. You’ll also need enough space to accommodate all your equipment.