FAQ

What is a Shared Space VR Game Center?

A Shared Space VR Game Center is a type of virtual reality gaming venue where multiple players can physically occupy the same VR space, allowing them to move around and interact with each other in real time. This setup enables players to experience VR together in a shared, immersive environment rather than each person being isolated in their own VR experience.

Here are some key features of a Shared Space VR Game Center:
  1. Physical Movement: Players can physically walk, move, and interact within a defined space, which translates into movement within the virtual world. This creates a more immersive experience as players can explore the virtual environment by actually moving their bodies.
  2. Multiplayer Interaction: Players can see, interact, and collaborate with each other in VR, often through avatars. This shared interaction makes VR gameplay more social, allowing for team-based activities, multiplayer games, and competitive scenarios.
  3. Real-Time Tracking: Advanced tracking technology is used to monitor players' positions and movements. This is crucial to prevent collisions and ensure players remain within safe boundaries while engaging in shared experiences.
  4. Dynamic and Interactive Experiences: Shared Space VR often includes games and experiences designed specifically for multiple participants. This could include cooperative missions, escape rooms, combat games, and other team-oriented VR experiences that require players to work together or compete.
  5. Physical Boundaries and Safety: Shared Space VR setups usually have clear boundaries and safety measures to keep players from accidentally bumping into walls or each other. Staff or automated safety systems may also guide players to ensure they stay within the safe area.
  6. Full-Body VR: Many Shared Space VR centers incorporate full-body tracking, allowing players to see their entire body and others' avatars in VR. This tracking can extend to head, hand, and sometimes leg movements, making the experience feel more immersive and realistic.

Examples of Experiences in a Shared Space VR Game Center:
  • Escape Rooms: Players work together to solve puzzles and complete missions in a virtual escape room environment.
  • Team-based Combat Games: Players compete against each other or face virtual enemies in combat-style games where cooperation and strategy are key.
  • Adventure and Exploration: Games designed around exploring virtual worlds, solving challenges, and interacting with digital objects.
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Shared Space VR Game Centers are popular for events like birthday parties, corporate team-building, and group outings, as they provide a unique way for friends, family, and colleagues to experience VR together in the same physical and virtual space.
How a VR Game Works at Virtual Ventures in Davenport, Iowa

1. Booking and Arrival
  • Virtual Ventures operates on an appointment-only basis, so sessions must be booked in advance. Upon arrival, staff will check you in and give an overview of available games and options, whether it's for a birthday party, team-building event, or a day of immersive VR fun.

2. Safety Orientation
  • Before stepping into VR, every player goes through a brief safety orientation. This orientation covers the basics of VR gameplay, how to stay within the designated play area, and how to interact safely with other players. Safety is a priority, and understanding the physical boundaries helps enhance the experience.

3. Getting Equipped
  • Players receive a VR headset and controllers with inside-out tracking, which means the headset tracks movement without needing extra external devices. Tracking markers on the walls and floors help keep the experience smooth and accurate. Players are also given bHaptic X16 shockvests, which vibrate to simulate impacts during gameplay—like a zombie attack or a hit from another player. These vests don’t shock the player but add a layer of immersion by creating tactile feedback.

4. Entering the Virtual World
  • Equipped with the headset, controllers, and shockvest, players step into the VR play area, ready to be transported into a virtual world. Once the game starts, they find themselves in a digital environment, whether that’s a survival game, an escape room, or a laser tag match.
  • With the inside-out tracking, players can move around freely within the physical space, and their movements are accurately reflected in the virtual world, enhancing immersion.

5. Gameplay and Interaction
  • In the virtual world, players interact by moving physically and using the controllers to simulate their hands. The VR games available at Virtual Ventures include a range of experiences, from multiplayer VR games to combat simulations and escape rooms. The shockvests intensify gameplay by providing vibrating feedback when players are “hit,” adding to the thrill of games like zombie survival.
    • Escape Rooms: Work together to solve puzzles and escape within a set time.
    • Combat and Survival Games: Fight off virtual enemies, with each hit felt through the shockvest.
    • Laser Tag and Multiplayer Games: Compete or cooperate with other players for a unique, team-based VR experience.

6. Shared Space and Team Play
  • Virtual Ventures uses a shared-space VR setup, meaning multiple players can interact in the same physical area. Inside-out tracking ensures precise movement, so players can communicate, strategize, and engage with each other seamlessly. This shared environment is perfect for groups looking to enjoy a social VR experience, where they can see each other as avatars and work together on challenges.

7. End of the Session
  • When the session ends, players remove their equipment, including the VR headset, controllers, and shockvest and proceed back out to the main lobby area.

Additional Offerings
  • Private Party and Team-Building Packages: Virtual Ventures offers packages for birthday parties, corporate events, and team-building experiences, complete with dedicated hosts to manage your group’s session and ensure everything runs smoothly.

With cutting-edge VR technology and the added immersion of shockvests, Virtual Ventures provides a thrilling, memorable experience for players of all ages (10+). Whether for a celebration, team event, or just a fun outing, Virtual Ventures makes VR gaming an unforgettable adventure!
Do I need any experience to play VR games?

No, you don’t need any prior experience to play VR games at Virtual Ventures! The games and equipment are designed to be user-friendly and accessible for beginners as well as experienced players. Here’s what you can expect:
  1. Introductory Orientation: Before you start, the Virtual Ventures team will give you a quick orientation on how to use the VR headset, controllers, and other equipment, like the bHaptic X16 shockvest. They’ll explain the basics so you can feel comfortable in the VR environment.
  2. Guided Setup: The staff will help you put on the equipment and show you how to interact with the virtual world. You’ll learn how to move around, use the controllers, and understand what to expect from the shockvest vibrations, which simulate impacts in certain games.
  3. Easy-to-Follow Gameplay: Many VR games at Virtual Ventures are designed with intuitive controls, meaning it’s easy to pick up and play even if you’re new to VR. There are also different game options, from simple experiences to more complex, team-based missions, allowing you to start at a level that feels comfortable.
  4. On-Site Assistance: If you have questions or need help at any point, the Virtual Ventures staff is available to assist you. They’re experienced in guiding new players, so you can enjoy the experience without any pressure.
So, whether it’s your first time in VR or you’re a seasoned player, you’ll have everything you need to jump in and have an incredible experience. Just bring your sense of adventure, and Virtual Ventures will take care of the rest!

What is the age limit for the games?

​At Virtual Ventures, the age limit for most VR games is 10 years and older. This ensures that players have the coordination and understanding needed to safely enjoy the VR experiences.
Escape rooms and some more intense experiences may have higher age restrictions or require adult supervision due to the challenging or immersive nature of the gameplay. For instance:
  • Escape Rooms: These are generally recommended for players aged 16 and older, unless accompanied by an adult, as they involve complex puzzles and sometimes intense scenarios.
Virtual Ventures places a strong emphasis on safety and comfort, and the age limits help ensure that players have the best possible experience tailored to their age group.
How do I book a gaming slot?

​To book a gaming slot at Virtual Ventures, follow these simple steps:
  1. Visit the Virtual Ventures Website: Go to the official website where you’ll find information about available games, packages, and appointment scheduling options.
  2. Choose Your Experience: Browse the selection of games and packages offered, such as birthday parties, team-building sessions, multiplayer VR games, escape rooms, and more. Select the one that fits your needs.
  3. Book Online: Virtual Ventures operates on an appointment-only basis, so all bookings are made online. Use the booking tool on the website to choose your preferred date and time for your VR session.
  4. Complete the Waiver and Deposit: During the booking process, you’ll need to fill out a waiver form for each participant and submit a small deposit to secure your slot.
  5. Receive Confirmation: Once your booking is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details about your session and any additional instructions to help you prepare.
Remember, Virtual Ventures does not accept walk-ins, so be sure to book ahead to secure your spot!
What are the operating hours of the center?

​Virtual Ventures operates by appointment only, so there aren’t traditional "walk-in" hours. Instead, you can book sessions at available times listed in their online booking system. This flexibility ensures that you can choose a time that works best for you or your group.
For special requests, such as team-building events requiring specific daytime hours during the week, you can call Virtual Ventures directly to arrange custom times that may not appear in the booking system. This allows the staff to accommodate unique schedules and event needs.
To check regular availability or arrange custom times, visit the booking calendar on the Virtual Ventures website or contact them directly.
Can I book the space for private events?

Yes, you can absolutely book Virtual Ventures for private events! The VR center offers exclusive private bookings that are perfect for events like:
  • Birthday Parties
  • Corporate Team-Building Sessions
  • Family Gatherings
  • Group Outings and Celebrations
When you book a private event, you’ll have exclusive use of the VR arena, allowing your group to enjoy a fully immersive experience without sharing the space with other guests. Virtual Ventures provides private party packages that may include a dedicated party host to help organize the event and ensure everything runs smoothly.
For specific daytime hours or custom times, especially for team-building events, you can also call ahead to arrange special bookings outside of the standard available slots in the online booking system.
To book your private event, visit the Virtual Ventures website to check available times, or contact them directly for custom arrangements.
What are your safety and cleanliness protocols, especially in light of COVID-19?

At Virtual Ventures, safety and cleanliness are top priorities, especially in light of COVID-19. Here’s an overview of the protocols in place to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all guests:
1. VR Equipment Sanitization
  • All VR headsets, controllers, and shockvests are thoroughly sanitized between sessions using medical-grade disinfectants. Special attention is given to high-contact areas to minimize any risk of contamination.
  • Disposable face covers or VR headset liners may be provided to ensure added hygiene for each guest.
2. Cleaning of Shared Spaces
  • The VR arena and all shared spaces, including seating areas and check-in desks, are regularly cleaned and disinfected throughout the day.
  • High-touch surfaces, such as door handles, counters, and tables, are frequently sanitized to maintain a clean environment.
These protocols are in place to ensure that all visitors to Virtual Ventures can enjoy a safe, clean, and worry-free VR experience. The team remains committed to adapting these protocols as needed to align with local health guidelines and provide the best possible experience for all guests.
Can I buy a gift card for Virtual Ventures?

​Yes, you can purchase a gift card for Virtual Ventures! Simply visit the website and click on the "Gift Card" tab, which will take you directly to the gift card page where you can make a purchase.
Additionally, if you're an account holder, you can use earned points to buy gift cards instead of cash. And during December, Virtual Ventures runs a holiday special where you get double the gift card value for your purchase, whether you’re using cash or points. This special offer makes it the perfect time to stock up on VR experiences for yourself or as a gift for friends and family!
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my booking?

​If you need to reschedule or cancel your booking at Virtual Ventures, it’s easy to do so:
  1. Reschedule: Use the rescheduling link provided in your notification to choose a new time and date without losing your deposit.
  2. Cancel and Rebook: If you prefer to fully cancel and book a new slot, use the cancellation link in your notification to cancel the existing appointment, then go ahead and make a fresh booking.
This system makes it simple to manage your appointment based on your changing plans!
Can I bring my own food and drinks for a private party?

​Yes, you can absolutely bring your own food and drinks for a private party at Virtual Ventures! As an exclusive private venue, Virtual Ventures allows guests to bring any refreshments, including alcohol, to enhance the experience.
There are no restrictions on food or drinks, and you won’t need to worry about cleanup—our staff will take care of everything for you. You’re welcome to help if you like, but it’s not required. Just bring your refreshments and enjoy a fully private celebration with your guests!

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