Virtual Reality (VR) represents state-of-the-art technology that allows users to experience a fully immersive environment in real-time, developed entirely in a 100% imaginary setting, using a combination of software and hardware tools.
While about two decades ago, entering such a virtual universe seemed more like a topic from a science fiction movie, nowadays, VR technology is a concept more present than ever in the collective perception. And the business segments where 2.0 entertainment projects can be developed using it are by no means limited.
Gaming is one of the domains with tremendous potential for exploiting this technology due to the freedom users have during gameplay, interacting with virtual elements and structures in the proposed environment. Hence, opening a VR gaming hall can be an inspired idea, especially considering the highly interesting financing possibilities available.
1. The Potential of a Virtual Reality Gaming Hall
Before delving into the necessary steps for opening such a location, you need to analyze the potential of VR gaming businesses in Romania. This domain has been on an upward popularity trend for years, with a fan base that continues to grow year by year.
Even though the internet greatly simplifies interaction among people, there remains a genuine desire for face-to-face interaction among gamers, especially in the gaming segment.
Thus, the sense of belonging to a group becomes much stronger for any individual who engages in gaming. Hence, a VR gaming hall can be an ideal setting for those who want to step out of their comfort zone and meet new people in a real environment, with the potential to form genuine friendships later on.
Thanks to the accuracy with which the latest VR gaming environments are designed, the sensations experienced by users in real-time are now more realistic than ever and, to a certain extent, superior to those experienced in front of a monitor.
Considering the direct benefits that a VR gamer can enjoy, the dynamics of the game stimulate concentration and attention to detail, can improve posture, and contribute to better reaction times in the face of unforeseen events.
2. Steps to Open a VR Hall
To ensure success from the very beginning, make sure to offer customers the best VR gaming experiences by following these steps:
2.1. Study the Existing Competition in this Niche
As this line of business is relatively new in Romania, it's important to observe the dynamics of existing businesses in the market. Ensure you thoroughly understand the following aspects:
- The communication campaigns launched on various available media channels;
- The locations where these competing halls are already open;
- The categories and financial potential of the target audience.
2.2. Identify the Best Locations for the VR Gaming Hall
An excellent location for setting up a VR gaming hall allows customers easy access to your services when their free time allows. Identify available spaces in regions such as:
- Arcade areas in major shopping centers;
- Rental spaces in neighborhoods with a predominantly young population;
- Locations available in areas with high tourist potential;
- Districts with minimal crime rates;
- Areas recognized as ideal for leisure activities.
Additionally, in this step, it's important to determine whether establishing a hub of VR gaming halls is viable in the respective area, considering population density, the target audience you want to reach, and the activities of competitors already present in the market.
2.3. Obtain the Necessary Documentation for Starting the Business
Like any other legally conducted business, a VR gaming hall needs to operate according to Romania's and the EU's specific legislation. In this initial phase of the project, besides support for the actual setup of the space, Waterboyz specialists can also provide legal assistance, helping you choose the appropriate CAEN codes or obtain the necessary authorizations.
2.4. Acquire VR Equipment for the Gaming Hall
This step is crucial for your business's success since the most popular games of the moment can attract the most gamers to your VR hall. We provide you with an extensive range of VR simulators so that you can choose the most suitable solutions for your acquired space, target audience, and budget.
The solutions in this category offer first-person shooting VR games with dynamic narrative threads, granting participants the freedom to move on fiberglass platforms that comply with regulations, while simultaneously targeting different objectives.
Recommendations:
• Shooting KAAT VR MNI S device
• KAT VR goggles
• KT VAR footwear and weapon
The VR gaming equipment found on this page is dedicated to enthusiasts of virtual races with motorcycles, cars, or even bicycles. Physical effort blends with the story told by each game, in a virtual environment that seems detached from the real world of racing.
Recommendations:
• VR 360 Transform
• VR Racing Car
• VR Racing Car S
• VR Flying
• VR Bike New Generation
These solutions from our offer combine the pleasure of gaming with a fascination for 3D animations, but presented in a 360° variant. The VR Cinema platforms can have one or more seats, so carefully consult the product list.
Recommendations:
• VR Cinema - 6 seats
• 9D VR - 2 seats
• VR Tank - 6 people
• VR Space Capsule
• Standing VR Cinema
• EGG VR 9D
For experiences similar to those on a roller coaster, these devices have a dynamic that allows 360° movements of the body. The VR goggles, as well as the varied range of games that they offer, contribute to achieving truly astonishing sensations.
Recommendations:
• Double VR 360 Classic
• Single 360 Jumping VR
• Double VR Rocket
• King Kong VR 360
• Super 720 VR
We offer more than just a diverse list of simulators for your VR gaming hall. Our team of specialists helps you with the most important stages of setting up, maximizing the available space according to essential criteria, the size of the location, the nature of the target audience, and the available budget.
2.5. Train Staff on the Use of VR Equipment
Running such a location does not require significant recruiting efforts but instead focuses on training the team. Staff members:
- Need to understand how each VR simulator in the space functions
- Can offer necessary assistance to customers, such as choosing games or real-time software troubleshooting
- Provide instruction on using VR solutions: goggles, safety features in single or multi-seat equipment (such as cinemas), control handles, etc.
3. Obtaining Funding for this Business
Can you access European funds to finance this project? The answer is affirmative, and recent history provides a great example: one of the 8400 eligible projects from the Start-Up Nation 2017 program is a VR gaming hall opened in Bucharest just a few years ago.
The project received the maximum budget allowed: 200,000 RON (approximately 44,000 euros at that time's exchange rate). Such a grant can be used by beneficiaries for a range of smart investments in developing the VR gaming hall:
- Acquiring VR equipment for the space
- Purchasing licenses necessary for using software tools
- Building a library of games and graphic animations
- Installing audio-video monitoring systems in the hall, etc.
While the Start-Up Nation program for newly established companies has reached its final edition, this should not discourage you if you desire funding for this line of business. You can access a grant for VR equipment, regardless of the activities your company has undertaken so far.
Subscribe to our newsletter now to be the first to receive important updates about upcoming funds dedicated to such projects. Our team can provide consultancy so that your business becomes eligible for potential funding, and the application process can be successfully completed in the shortest time possible.
The future is promising for entrepreneurs who invest in a VR gaming hall. The freedom to explore new horizons of the gaming world offered by this 2.0 technology, the wide range of available VR equipment, and the ability to access non-repayable funds create an ideal framework to capitalize on this high-potential field.