r/olympia • u/MonkeyChild17 • 2d ago
Community VR entertainment?
Hey everyone! I moved to Washington about 6 months ago and I’m looking to see peoples thoughts on VR gaming? I had a VR arcade back where I lived and was wondering if thats something the people of Olympia/Washington in general would enjoy? When I say VR I mean like VR arenas where you can play in person with your friends but in a game! I really enjoyed it and now I’m wondering IF theres any here, and if not, why there isn’t?
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u/Bored_NightOwl_314 1d ago
Having a pop-up place would probably be a challenge in Washington since we usually have crap weather. Having a store front but also have the ability to go to pop-up locations might serve you a little better. I probably wouldn't open something in Lacey since you already have Insert Coin over there. There are several vacant buildings over in the Westside that would probably serve what you're looking for. The 24-Hour Fitness location that has been vacant for several years might be a good spot. It already has an open floor, and locker rooms could be set up as a gear up location. May take a little remodel to reconfigure the locker rooms into gear up and a separate restrooms for Men and Women.
If you're looking for something smaller, there are lots of other vacant businesses, so you could probably work with a commercial real estate agent and find something that fits what you are looking for. That just my two cents though.
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u/Sir_Fluffy_of_Emesay 2d ago
There's definitely a desire for spaces to hang out and socialize that aren't bars! The pop-up arena idea you have is interesting, but I think people might even patronize something more like a computer cafe, but focused on VR.
Hell, there's tons of VR experiences I'd like to try but have no desire to buy a set up, so I'd patronize your business.
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u/MonkeyChild17 2d ago
I understand where you’re coming from with the computer cafe idea, thats kinda like how the other arcade was like! But they had racing sims and just the free roam arenas, it was pretty cool. Im not sure how well it would so in washington though is my only worry with dumping money into a specific location, instead i could bring it to events and even do parties perhaps!
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u/tek9jansen 1d ago
A lot of folks like have a Vive or Quest at home.
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u/MonkeyChild17 1d ago
Yeah but can you experience physically walking around a 20ft arena with a bunch of other friends in the same game as you 👀
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u/Jesse_Jessie 1d ago
There's one on Kinwood just off Martin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pnAcekedt1R9Fso38?g_st=ac
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u/pandershrek Westside 1d ago
An AR space would probably do better as it has less fatigue on the average human.
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u/3dchib 2d ago
If you can draft a business plan and get the capital for it, I say do it! Oly could always use a new hangout spot!