There’s no denying that strolling through nature-filled parks, lying on your favourite coastal beach, pampering yourself in a luxury SPA and all the other soul-uplifting things that may cross your mind are all great ways to spend your time. But when was the last time you tried something so thrilling, multisensorial, and enlivening that it had you talking about it to anyone who would listen for months afterwards?
The rising demand for experiences that engage the senses all at once has seen virtual reality (VR) come into its own, taking entertainment to heights that have never been reached before – and as a result, we’re seeing more businesses and organisations putting this innovative technology to good use, with ideas that go beyond gaming and film-watching.
From fighting off zombies and exploring the extraterrestrial to playing sports against a backdrop of live audiences, unearthing the mysteries of the Vatican, and engaging in all manner of mind-bending activities that transcend the realms of escape rooms and interactive theatres, the entertainment on offer in today’s modern world knows no bounds. If you can dream it up, then you can probably do it, and almost nothing is off limits.
Here, we take a look at some of the most mind-blowing options of the moment.
Immersive gaming
The immersive gaming landscape in the UK has come on in leaps and bounds this year, and there are now a plethora of thrilling options to choose from that are guaranteed to wow. Imagine stepping into a vast, interactive environment where all your senses are engaged, your heart races, and you experience the excitement alongside teammates, family, and friends, and you’ll be on the right track, with this dynamic way of gaming surpassing the limitations of playing from home in every imaginable way.
The best part? People of all ages enjoy these activities, from anywhere, at any time. VR gaming is not confined to any specific age group and offers a diverse range of activities tailored to a wide array of different preferences.
The UK’s entertainment sector has witnessed substantial growth in VR gaming, providing a growing number of consumers with fully immersive experiences that are so mind blowing that can’t help but keep coming back for more. VR experiences in Birmingham, in particular, are quite simply next level, and has become a hub for VR enthusiasts of all kinds, attracting groups of friends, corporate team-building events, and family outings.
From feeling the adrenaline surge in a first-person shooter game, getting lost in spine-tingling escape rooms and battling in futuristic arenas, to fending off zombies in a post-apocalyptic world, solving mysteries in ancient pyramids or embarking on countless other adventures, there are so many options now available to choose from that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Next-level storytelling and films
Are you craving a truly mind-bending cinematic experience? If you’re bored of all the usual repetitive films then VR movies are on hand to change things up with immersive storytelling that makes you a part of it. Instead of passively watching, VR makes it possible for viewers to engage actively in the narrative, offering a director’s perspective where you control the scenes, explore the environments, and make decisions that shape the story. While traditional cinema films are limited to the confines of the screen itself, VR versions offer a 360-degree view so that the audience can participate fully in the plot using a variety of different senses, giving them the power to decide the characters’ paths and outcomes, and eliminating the frustration of wondering what would have happened had they done something different.
It’s an innovative approach to film that is revolutionising the way in which we experience narratives in the modern world, and London and various other cities across the UK are welcoming an increasing number of entertainment venues offering this type of experiences, with them eventually expected to become the norm. Already, you can spend a few hours watching quality movies that outstrip those IMAX masterpieces. StoryFutures, the country’s National Centre for Immersive Storytelling, has been one of the first to dip its toe into the waters of immersive cinemas and arts, so make this your first port of call if you’re seeking your first taste.
VR hospitality business experiences
Gone are the days of having to make your way to a physical restaurant to test it out and see whether you like the vibe, and as more and more individuals express interest in taking virtual tours in restaurants, food courts, wineries, bars and other hospitality venues, it’s another area in which we can eventually expect to see VR playing a starring role.
A 2021 study from ePOS Hybrid found that four in ten consumers in the UK would like the option to experience a virtual tour of a location before making the journey there to ensure that it’s the kind of place they are looking for. We’ve already seen KFC dabbling with the technology, and it likely won’t be long before fine dining eateries and Michelin-starred restaurants catch on – although they’re likely to want to maintain a certain level of mystery, as it’s all part of their exclusive allure.
We’re still some way off from VR hospitality tours becoming the norm, and some work will need to be done on the digital infrastructures currently available in order to facilitate them with ease. But as VR headsets and other related tools become more commonplace and more people have them at home as standard, the era of VR-powered hospitality venues is only getting closer.
Immersive entertainment
Live events such as theatre performances, sports competitions, concerts, and operas have long relied on human presence to convey messages and evoke emotions, from the joy of seeing your favourite team win a game to the magic and awe of musical performances. VR now allows fans to experience these events from premium seats in physical venues, offering 360-degree views in soundproof chambers that engage all senses, elevating the experience to incredible new heights that once couldn’t even have been imagined.
As VR technology continues to advance, the line between live and virtual events is set to become increasingly blurred, and the constraints of money, travel and time will all but be eliminated – with the removal of these barriers will make this new generation of entertainment accessible for enthusiasts everywhere.
