How to choose the right location for a virtual reality park?

The location is one of the most crucial factors influencing the potential revenue of a venue. Here are key recommendations on what to consider when selecting a space for a virtual reality club.
At WARPOINT, each potential venue goes through a thorough checklist. This checklist includes essential criteria for evaluating the suitability of a location.

The checklist is divided into three main categories:

Location of the Venue
Gaming Zone
Facility Requirements

You can request this checklist from our manager by submitting a form on our website.

Location of the VR-park

Shopping Center or Standalone Venue?

If the rental cost in a shopping center is reasonable, then the choice is clear – a shopping center. It brings foot traffic that standalone venues typically lack, providing you with additional income.

Easy Access to Transportation

Choose central areas of the city for a VR club. Accessibility is key, so make sure there’s both parking and nearby public transportation (especially metro stations) to accommodate both drivers and non-drivers alike. Consider a dedicated entrance to your VR club as it reduces restrictions and simplifies the client journey.

24/7 Operating Hours

In large cities, 24-hour operation opens more opportunities, allowing you to host night games on holidays or weekends.

Well-Developed Surrounding Infrastructure

Opt for locations near shopping centers, entertainment complexes, schools, universities, and other areas that attract your target audience.

Gaming Zone

For a VR arena, the gaming area should be between 250 to 400 m². Here are three key aspects:

Appropriate Shape of the Venue

The ideal shape allows for better movement for players and the opportunity to create an effective level design. A square layout, with both length and width being at least 15 meters, is ideal.

Number of Columns in the Gaming Zone

Fewer columns mean more movement freedom. Ideally, there should be no more than four columns, as they can interfere with gameplay.

Lounge Area Size

A spacious lounge area is essential, especially in large cities, to provide comfort to visitors before and after games.

Facility Requirements

Ceiling height

High ceilings are more comfortable for players, so choose a space with a ceiling height of at least three meters.
Ventilation and air conditioning

Proper ventilation is essential; otherwise, you’ll face additional irreversible investments in the location.
Lighting

Direct sunlight should not enter the VR club, as it disrupts VR headset tracking. Panoramic windows and large windows are not ideal.
Flooring

Floors should be smooth and even, with no reflective surfaces. A clean concrete finish is one of the best options.
Utility payments

Ideally, utility payments should be included in the rent.

Opening preparations

Before opening a location, it’s essential to understand the scope of work. This helps in planning both the budget and the timeline for opening a VR arena or park.

Below is a general list of actions from the start to the grand opening:

Sign the Commercial Concession Agreement (CCA);
Meet with the support team;
Gather information about the location (measurements, photos, videos);
Start project design work with a design contractor (on average, the design project takes 21 working days, excluding clarification and information gathering);
Purchase equipment;
Purchase furniture;
Begin renovation work;
Launch marketing tools;
Recruit staff;
Set up arena equipment (the setup is done at the tech department in HQ, then sent to the partner);

Order merchandise and printed materials;
Complete renovation work;
Location acceptance (done remotely by the operations team via photos/videos. On-site inspections may also be conducted to check the quality of renovations, compliance with the design project, and company standards);
Commissioning (conducted remotely with a tech specialist. The product is installed, initial settings are made, game maps are set up, attractions are launched, and test games are conducted);
Technical opening (invite friends, acquaintances, and random people to intensive sessions over 2-3 days to adapt staff, test equipment, and the product);
Grand opening (with a host, contests, prizes, and free short sessions).

Summary

Choose your location wisely and consult with a network development manager. Their experience can help you make the right choice, increasing the profitability of your VR arena or park without requiring additional advertising expenses.

Using the experience of successful WARPOINT franchisees and adapting their best practices to your conditions, you can understand WARPOINT franchise deeper and strengthen your position in the VR entertainment market.

If you have any questions ask us by email: hello@warpoint.com