The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Arcades get new life in virtual reality
New technology lures gamers out of the house.
A hobby of the past is getting a second chance from a technology of the future.
Video game arcades have all but disappeared in Atlanta since their heyday in the ’80s. However, the advent of virtual reality (VR) technology has breathed new life into the tradition of playing video games in public places.
Atlanta has a plethora of virtual reality experiences, but only a handful offer gaming options or interactive experiences. The newest experience, The VOID, is now being offered at The Battery Atlanta. Since it can be a bit of a challenge to find a place where gamers can star in their favorite film or play as their favorite storybook character, we compiled a list of real world places that offer an escape to the virtual world.
The VOID at The Battery Atlanta
This new experience at The Battery Atlanta combines state-of-the art VR technology, physical stages and multi-sensory effects, including touch and smell. The VOID features the awardwinning “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire” by ILMxLAB
and Lucasfilm, “Ralph Breaks VR” by ILMxLAB created in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios and “Nicodemus: Demon of Evanishment” by The VOID.
10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays. $30$35 . The VOID, 800 Battery Ave. #120, Atlanta. 470-2989214, thevoid.com.
iSimu VR
Metro Atlanta’s first virtual reality arcade offers more than 40 VR experiences and games that include kid-friendly, shooter, sport and even terrifying horror genres. Founded in 2017 by two Georgia Tech students within a startup incubator, iSimu VR has perfected the group VR experience, even developing their own environment to enhance the multiplayer experience. Their venue can accommodate up to 48 players at time. If you’re looking to try one of the best VR experiences in the country, make a stop at iSimu VR.
2-10 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 2 p.m.-midnight Fridays; noon-midnight Saturdays; Noon-8 p.m. Sundays. $19.99-$59.99. iSimu VR, 3064 Old Norcross Road NW, Suite 100, Duluth. 678373-1219, isimuvr.com.
Xdrenaline
Xdrenaline has four VR booths that use the latest in HTC Vive VR headsets, highend gaming computer technology and SpringboardVR management software. In addition to having more than 20 active VR experiences like taking a plank walk 80 floors up, drawing in space, visiting Paris or being a Space Pirate trainer, Xdrenaline has a trampoline park, rock-wall climbing and a ninja course.
4-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 4-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. $10$65. Xdrenaline, 1611 Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-6041367, xdrenaline.com.
NexusVR
NexusVR has 13 VR stations and more than 50 games and experiences that appeal to all ages. You can fly like a bird, explore space, see the bottom of the ocean and travel the world. Among the big highlights at NexusVR are the multiplayer VR Escape Rooms that were developed by Ubisoft and are based on the world of “Assassin’s Creed.”
4-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 4-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 1-6 p.m. Sundays. VR Experience: $15-$45; VR Escape Room $30-$40. NexusVR, 3547 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth. 1-833-I-PLAY-VR, nexusvr. com.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
The Marietta location of Andretti Indoor Karting & Games has the full-immersion experience 7D Dark Ride Motion Theater where eight riders at a time compete for the highest score using laser blasters and battling onscreen enemies. There are four professional VR racing simulators, too, along with a VR Hologate which has multiple games. The Roswell location offers the 7D Dark Ride Motion Theater and VR Hologate.
11 a.m.-midnight Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays. $5.95-$11.95. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, 1255 Roswell Road, Marietta. 678-496-9530, andrettikarting.com.