Imagine how much cooler your favorite video game would be if you could physically be in it. As of June 2016, this dream became a reality. Take a look:
THE VOID is the virtual reality experience we’ve all been waiting for. “There is a place so many of us have imagined since we were kids. One where we could walk untethered into the exiting worlds of our favorite novels, films and games,” says Director of Creative Media Devin McGinn. “As that place finally becomes a reality we look forward to you coming with us on this incredible journey.”
It all started when Ken Bretschneider and Curtis Hickman wanted to create a new type of theme park. With the help of James Jensen, the concept of virutal reality came into play. The three quickly realized the potential a VR theme park could have and set to work immediately.
McGinn explains to me that the only limitation is our imagination, and with THE VOID, it is up to the player to make his or her experience. That being said, the numerous VR experiences are set to be diverse to tap into the imagination of all park-goers.
To summarize, patrons will be given a VR set and put into a gaming pod to navigate an “infinite hallway.” The experience will look and feel as though you are never entering the same room twice despite being in a singular gaming pod. Cool right? It gets better — patrons of different ages can be found in one gaming pod with different VR visuals. “A family could enter a zombie apocalypse experience and the older members see assault rifles and blood shed while the younger players are looking at bubble guns and “wacky zombies; it’s a great way for parties not to have to necessarily break up their group due to age differences.” That being said, all ages are welcome in THE VOID.
McGinn also explains that first person is going to be the standard. “At THE VOID you are not just playing a game, you are truly living it. Every step you take or wall you touch exists in the real world. That certainly doesn’t mean everything is a ‘first person shooter—’ yes, we will have those, but there will also be exploratory puzzle-based experiences. If you want to go in with a group of your buddies and blast aliens, you can do that. Maybe you would rather enter a magical forest with your children to cast spells and interact with mythical creatures in a non-aggressive way. Well, you can do that too. In addition, our content will be constantly changing, so there will always be something new to experience at our entertainment centers.”
In terms of size, THE VOID promises to be monumental — an IMAX multiplex, if you will. Currently the set number of “gaming pods” is eight per Virtual Entertainment Center. “Think of the VEC as the theater and the gaming pods as the individual screens within that theater,” McGinn explains.
The VECs will also hold simulator bays for vehicle based experiences, a gift shop, and a lounge for “patrons to socialize and discuss past or upcoming adventures.” On top of it all, the creators want park-goers to be transported to a different world the minute they walk through the door. A museum-like feel is promised with artifacts from different dimensions and initial excursions.
Of course something this monumental comes with testing problems and initial worries from gamers like myself. In a recent podcast by Digital Culture’s Brittany Gallagher, she addresses her experience in THE VOID saying it was “not quite there.” McGinn assures this is a side-effect of shelf hardware used in the Alpha stages.
“We knew there would be some technical limitations,” he says. “But realized what we did have to show was already going to be a game changer.”
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and perfection takes time. Through tests and feedback, THE VOID is working towards becoming the best of the best. Once the center is able to include its proprietary tech, McGinn says he has no doubt the experience will be complete and what every gamer wants.
While I have no doubt in my mind that THE VOID is going to be the best thing since sliced bread, I do have concerns about the wait time on opening day and then on out. But of course the center’s team already has an answer for that: an app.
“You can open an app on your phone, watch trailers for experiences and then book what time you would like to go. Having a set time like a film helps customers avoid the stress of dealing with long lines, and it’s something we are already accustomed to doing. You can, of course, book directly at our centers, but like a movie theater, there is no guarantee an experience won’t be sold out for a specific time slot,” says McGinn.
Worried about breaking your bank? Don’t. A 30-minute experience is set to be around $29-$39, and will change based on location and content. This truly is the park all gamers have been waiting for.
From Dinosaurs to super heroes to haunted houses, there will be something for everyone, and I cannot wait until I get my chance to travel to Utah and delve deep into THE VOID.
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Photos via Instagram.
Many thanks to Devin McGinn for taking the time to answer my questions!
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