MGM Hopes Virtual Reality Arena Brings Actual Customers To Casino

Written By Jessica Welman on August 24, 2017
man with VR goggles

The MGM Grand already possesses attractions within the casino that appeal to a younger demographic. The Level UP lounge, featuring skill-based slots, beer pong, and a myriad of video games, is a prime example of this. The casino plans to further expand this concept in an effort to captivate the elusive Millennial market. [toc]

MGM Grand launching a virtual reality arena

MGM Resorts International, earlier this week, publicized their new collaboration with Zero Latency. They plan on introducing a free-roam virtual reality arena at the Grand.

You’re curious about what a virtual reality arena is? Think of it as laser tag, but instead of navigating a physical course with tangible obstacles, players wear VR gear along with their laser guns. Rather than confronting real-world barriers, the arena is vast and unobstructed, providing players the freedom to conveniently move and discover their immersive virtual surroundings.

Zero Latency first established its arena in Melbourne, Australia and has now expanded to nine arenas across four continents. Players can enjoy various games in the arena for $88, along with several other activities.

Three games will be offered at the MGM Grand arena:

  • Zombie Survival – The title pretty much says it all. You’re tasked with eliminating zombies using your weapon and staying alive until a rescue team arrives to save you.
  • Singularity is a game based on a space station setting. Players are charged with combating robots and drones to discover what malfunction caused the ship to break down.
  • Engineerium – This puzzle game presents a less bleak scenario compared to the other two alternatives. Here, you find yourself floating above an unfamiliar planet, accompanied by airborne creatures. Your survival, maintaining your float, depends on solving puzzles with your teammates.

Every game session lasts 30 minutes and accommodates a maximum of six players.

VR arena will be part of Level Up

The aforementioned Level UP lounge will incorporate the VR arena as part of its setup. The opening date for the arena is set to be Sept. 8.

In the casino’s official press release, MGM Grand’s COO and President Scott Sibella expressed his excitement for the new arena.

We aimed to introduce a distinctive entertainment feature at MGM Grand and discovered the ideal match with Zero Latency. This firm designs virtual reality gaming experiences using incredible technology. There’s nothing comparable in Las Vegas and we take pride in MGM Grand being the first in the city to launch an engaging and enjoyable virtual “wow moment” for our guests.

Level Up has previously been utilized as a trial area for new products. The lounge now showcases the skill-oriented Frogger slot game from Konami, along with others.

Sadly, skill-based games in Nevada and New Jersey are facing challenges in attracting an audience. We hope that the virtual reality arena will be more successful in drawing younger players to the property.

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Jessica Welman

Jessica Welman has been an integral part of the poker media for many years. Her roles have included being a tournament reporter for the World Poker Tour, co-hosting a podcast for Poker Road, and acting as the managing editor for WSOP.com. A double graduate from the University of Southern California and Indiana University, Welman’s skills extend beyond writing to include producing. Her involvement in livestreams for the WSOP and WPT, as well as her work as a consultant on numerous other poker productions, showcase her extensive experience. You can follow her on Twitter @jesswelman.

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