VRstudios has raised more cash as it continues to install virtual reality systems in theme parks, cinemas, family entertainment centers, casinos, and other locations.
The state of virtual and augmented reality: Industry sees new reasons for hope amid the hype
The Seattle-area startup reeled in another $2.2 million from investors. The company confirmed the new funding but declined to provide information about investors.
Founded in 2014, VRstudios is gaining traction with nascent VR technology by providing access to room-scale multiplayer VR experiences outside of the home. The location-based entertainment company has deployed 65 systems across 15 countries. Its latest installation happened this week at 112 Dave and Buster’s locations, where customers can play the new Jurassic World VR Expedition game.
VRStudios originally launched seven years ago as a virtual reality gaming company called VRcade. In July 2014, it restructured as VRstudios Inc. with a revamped business model that expanded beyond gaming and into additional commercial enterprise simulation opportunities. But last year the company doubled down on its location-based entertainment business.
“We shifted focus to where the majority of our demand was coming from,” said T. Ron Davis, chief marketing officer at VRstudios.
As GeekWire reported this week, VR and AR hasn’t seen mainstream consumer adoption, partly due to low headset sales. But VRstudios has found a niche, giving its clients a way to offer the VR experience to customers at physical locations. The 21-person company provides everything from hardware integration to daily operations to management reporting.
VRstudios is one of many new up-and-coming virtual reality startups in the Seattle area. Others include Pixvana, HaptX, Pluto, VREAL, Against Gravity, Endeavor One, Nullspace VR, and many more. That’s in addition to larger companies like Microsoft, Valve, HTC, and Oculus that are developing virtual and augmented reality technologies in the region.
