2018-06-16T16:20:00Z
- Virtual reality may be better suited for arcades than people's homes.
- One of the new startups creating shared VR experiences is called Sandbox VR.
- Its technology combines green screens and commercial VR headsets and you can book one for just over $30 per half hour.
- It's an intense experience.
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There are a number of virtual-reality systems you use inside your house, but increasingly, many experts in the industry believe that VR may first find its footing in elaborate arcade experiences.
VR arcades let people try cutting-edge technologies without spending money on a pricey headset, and the experiences and games can also be customized and administered by experts.
One VR startup, Sandbox VR, even believes that VR can be a way to build stronger teams and friendships, according to its CEO, Steve Zhao, who said that it's a great option for corporate events and team building.
"We see a lot of corporate [customers], it's kind of scary but it's about the chaos, what happens when everything goes wrong," Zhao said. "And you have to work together and talk to each other, communicate."
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"We know a lady, she played seven times. I called her up, asked, 'why do you play so much?' She said 'I just want to play with my relatives, coworkers, friends.' She just wanted to share these type of experiences," he continued.
That kind of fandom was enough to raise $3 million in seed funding from investors led by the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, according to Pitchbook data.
My girlfriend and I actually got to check out one of Sandbox VR's game spaces in New York. Here's what happened:
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We checked out the Sandbox VR experience in an IMAX movie theater in New York.
The space was provided because Sandbox licenses its technology to IMAX.
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When you first get there, you're led into a specially-built room with green walls and floors on three sides. It's a greenscreen — the same technology that Hollywood uses to put actors in exotic locations. You need at least two people to play.
We suited up and started playing. On the outside, this is what we looked like:
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But inside the headsets, this is what we were seeing.
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We were playing a mission called the Deadwood Mansion Experience. The story was that a mad scientist had created a hoard of zombies, and we were explorers that had to defeat them to escape.
Deadwood Mansion from on Vimeo.
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Our terror in the haunted mansion makes for a good video. We screamed a lot.
There are other experiences available too, including one that's pirate-themed.
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Before you strap on the VR headset, there's a little bit of preparation — like these motion capture orbs you have to wear on your arms ...
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... and legs.
Here's Sandbox VR CEO Steve Zhao strapping the sensors on my zombie-shooting partner.
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Then you put on a backpack. Inside the backpack is a full PC that powers the VR headset.
The headsets we used were standard Oculus Rift headsets with more white motion capture sensors attached. Other locations use HTC Vive headsets, Zhao said.
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Of course, we needed VR guns to shoot the zombies.
At one point, I felt a cool breeze. Turns out, there were actual fans in the real world. Zhao also said that more advanced versions of Sandbox VR can provide a rumble when the zombies touch you, which sounds a little scary for me.
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The experience was already pretty intense. It lasted 30 minutes, and our team actually lost — you can end up not winning the battle.
Sandbox currently has six locations, including in San Mateo, California, New York, and Singapore, and Thailand.
A 30-minute session costs between $32 and $38, depending on if it's peak hours. More information is available at the Sandbox website.
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It's a fun way to spend a day, even if it is a little bit intense. It was certainly more immersive than VR games I've played at home.
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As an expert in virtual reality (VR) technologies, I have a deep understanding of the concepts and developments in the industry. The article discusses Sandbox VR, a startup that focuses on providing shared VR experiences in the form of arcade-like settings. I'll break down the key concepts and technologies mentioned in the article:
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Sandbox VR Technology:
- Sandbox VR utilizes a combination of green screens and commercial VR headsets to create immersive experiences.
- The technology involves specialized rooms with green walls and floors, similar to Hollywood greenscreens used in filmmaking.
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Immersive VR Experiences:
- The VR experiences provided by Sandbox VR are described as intense and immersive.
- The article mentions a specific experience called the "Deadwood Mansion Experience," where players, equipped with VR headsets, embark on a mission to defeat zombies in a haunted mansion.
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Equipment and Setup:
- Players are required to wear motion capture orbs on their arms and legs for motion tracking.
- A backpack containing a full PC powers the VR headset.
- The VR headsets used include standard Oculus Rift headsets and HTC Vive headsets, depending on the location.
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Multiplayer and Team Building:
- The VR experiences are designed for at least two players, promoting multiplayer interactions.
- Sandbox VR's CEO, Steve Zhao, emphasizes the potential for VR to enhance teamwork and communication, making it suitable for corporate events and team-building activities.
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Real-world Effects:
- The article mentions additional sensory elements, such as fans providing a cool breeze during the VR experience.
- Advanced versions of Sandbox VR are said to offer rumble feedback when in-game events, like zombies touching the player, occur.
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Business Model and Funding:
- Sandbox VR operates on a model where customers can book a 30-minute session for a price ranging from $32 to $38, depending on peak hours.
- The startup raised $3 million in seed funding from investors led by the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund.
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Expansion and Locations:
- Sandbox VR has expanded to multiple locations, including San Mateo, California, New York, Singapore, and Thailand, with six locations in total.
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Public Reception and User Experiences:
- The article includes a personal account of the author and their girlfriend's experience at a Sandbox VR location, highlighting the intensity and immersion compared to home-based VR gaming.
In conclusion, the concepts covered in the article showcase how companies like Sandbox VR are innovatively using VR technology to provide engaging and shared experiences, particularly in arcade-like settings, and how VR is being explored for team-building and entertainment purposes beyond traditional home use.
