Open up to the wonders of a virtual reality experience in London

Escape the monotony

Everyday life can often feel monotonous and repetitive – especially if you live in a densely populated city such as London – and many people are increasingly looking for an escape to somewhere new and adventurous. Nowadays thankfully this can be made possible for many, without having to leave the capital at all. Through the magical technology involved in a virtual reality experience, visitors can be transported across a digital galaxy of possibilities and adventures, which they can either do cooperatively with team-mates or by themselves.

How do virtual reality centres work?

The technology involved behind setting up these centres is state-of-the-art and would not have been possible – save in the realms of science-fiction – until only a decade or so ago. Since their initial development however, the design and innovation has excelled itself exponentially, until it has reached the level it is at today. Virtual reality centres allow visitors to move around and interact with computer programming, within a three dimensional digitised environment. Players wear headsets which allow them to see and hear in all directions, and are equipped with sensors in each hand which allow them to guide their character throughout the game and interact with objects as they encounter them. The design involved throughout virtual reality programming truly is a technological marvel. Having evolved in such a short time from Pong (the first ever video game) in 1958 to the virtual reality centres of today, truly is a feat of human engineering and development.

What can I do at a VR centre?

Typically those who visit a VR centre in London can expect that they will be given a demonstration and introduction into the world of virtual reality, prior to trying it out for themselves. This stage of the experience is both fun, and important – as if people rush directly into their VR experience it can sometimes cause discomfort. This stage in the experience also lets people view the extent to which VR can transport its users to different scenarios and situations. After this introductory period has taken place, people are then usually given around thirty minutes to play their desired game. These games vary, but can include scenarios such as fighting off waves of zombies in a game aptly named ‘Apocalypse’ – or defending your fellow space marines as aliens attempt to breach your ship in ‘Alien Defence’. There are also options for those who would prefer to do their virtual reality experience by themselves, such as ‘The Heist’ whereby you work as a detective who is attempting to outwit a team of bank robbers through wit as well as strength. Outside the virtual world, some of the VR centres in London are also fully licensed bars, as well as occasionally offering food. This adds a definite social aspect to the centres, which is a positive, as VR and video gaming are often looked on as inherently anti-social and isolating activities. However, through shared mutual interests, these centres can act as a social hub for like minded people to interact and come together.