Virtual Reality Arcade
Virtual Reality Arcade (short: VR Arcade ) is the collective term for facilities in which customers can use virtual reality headsets and other hardware and peripherals for virtual reality (VR) for a fee . This hardware is often used to display computer games.
Etymology and legal classification
Other terms for virtual reality arcade are also virtual reality arena or hall , café or playground . Although the part of the name Arcade (English for amusement arcade ) suggests a relationship to classic amusement arcades, from a legal point of view, Virtual Reality Arcades are neither to be assessed as amusement arcades nor as amusement facilities.
Description and motivation for the operation
In addition to the possibility of testing VR glasses from potential buyers, VR arcades usually offer larger areas and special accessories (e.g. special treadmills and seats, chassis, driving simulators etc.) compared to domestic use . Furthermore, special experiences with effects, other players or a reference to the location can be offered. Some operators also offer exclusive games and software. Most halls use HTC Vive glasses and offer licensed games from the Steam distribution platform . In addition to the VR arcade, the location can also be connected to other activities such as a café, an exhibition or rides.
Development in Germany
The first VR arcades existed in Germany as early as the 1990s, but these did not last long due to the poor technology.
The first German virtual reality arcade was opened in September 2016 by the Nuremberg VR franchise "Virtuis". Since then, virtual reality arcades have opened in several other German cities, such as the “Holocafe” in Düsseldorf or the “VR Lounge” in Saarbrücken . The first VR arcade in Baden-Württemberg, the “VR Playspace” in Karlsruhe, followed in April 2017 . In December 2017, according to the company, Europe's largest VR hall "VArea" opened in Mainz with 500 m².
Web links
- Mixed - Virtual Reality amusement arcades and arcades in DACH
- Overview of the VR arcades in Germany on vr-world.de
Individual evidence
- ↑ Michael Moorstedt: Family excursion into the alleged gambler's cave . In: sueddeutsche.de . June 16, 2017, ISSN 0174-4917 ( sueddeutsche.de [accessed March 23, 2019]).
- ↑ a b away game. Retrieved March 15, 2019 .
- ^ Stefan Mehmke: Virtual Reality Arcade: High Noon in Nuremberg. In: Computerbild. December 28, 2016, accessed on March 23, 2019 (German).
- ↑ VArea. Retrieved March 23, 2019 .