Location Based Entertainment (LBE) is a fast-growing attraction at arcades all over the world, using the power and versatility of VR to create unique immersive experiences for consumers.
It makes perfect sense – instead of a large space being dedicated to more traditional games like Laser Tag which have a fixed physical layout and style, LBEs can constantly evolve and adapt and host multiple players and multiple games in the same space. In fact, the physical space can be reset in a matter of minutes so players can go from a jungle to a spaceship with very little downtime.
HTC VIVE’s advanced work in hardware and software means blending the real and virtual world is effortless. VIVE’s new Wrist Tracker for VIVE Focus 3 adds a new dimension for either hand-tracking or being placed onto props so they can be used in games, whether that’s a tennis racquet, a shield, a weapon, and so much more.
And with arUco codes it’s easy to integrate physical objects like obstacles and walls into the game as well – the camera on the headset sees the code on the object and imports the graphical textures. So players can physically lean up against something which looks like a blank wall in real life, but in VR is part of a spaceship’s bulkhead.
VIVE Focus 3 is perfect for LBEs, delivering an incredible experience which just keeps getting better as we continue to roll out software updates and develop new features. VIVE Focus 3 supports Wi-Fi 6E, perfect for fast-paced action where low latency is essential. A dedicated LBE mode provides flexibility at the touch of a button, supporting multiple players in a game space of up to 1,000m2 – that’s the size of four tennis courts. And the playable area doesn’t even have to be a perfect square or rectangle, our software allows for complicated room shapes like polygons and even L-shaped spaces.
Map sharing between headsets, Visual Optometry mode, and LBE hybrid mode mean businesses can create a unique experience effortlessly and have minimal turnaround time between games. Even the battery on VIVE Focus 3 is designed to be swapped in seconds so LBE arcades can keep headsets in near-constant use, and with a 5K display and 90 Hz refresh rate, people can enjoy stunning visuals even in the middle of non-stop action.
At Mobile World Congress, we had a lot of fun with our friends at Europa Park with their Yullbe Go / MackNext products, showing off three different experiences.
Alpha Mods: In the futuristic city of Ultraville, on a planet far from Earth, guests become part of a special police unit. Equipped with state-of-the-art cars, chase criminals on a wild chase with the “Alpha Mods” on Ultraville’s central highway. Buckle up, it’s going to be a rapid ride!
Ed & Edda: Put on your VR headset and embark on a magical adventure in a completely enchanted Europa-Park: Ed and Edda need your help! The Night Crab has stolen a precious magical sceptre and is upsetting everything with his magic. Through magical portals and with flying umbrellas you take up the chase. But be careful: you might wake up the dragon who is slumbering in a hidden cave deep under the park… Will you manage to stop the night crab and save Europa-Park?
Moon to Mars: At the beginning, you are on a space station and can enjoy a breathtaking view of our Earth – thanks to the latest VR technology, this is no longer reserved for real astronauts! From here your experience “Moon to Mars” starts and suddenly you find yourself on the red planet. Explore the secrets and beauty of the planet Mars! Are you ready for your first journey into space?
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