[toc]MGM Grand already has elements in the casino to draw in a younger crowd. Most notably, its Level UP lounge includes skill-based slots, beer pong, and tons of video games. It is going to expand that concept even more in an attempt to draw in those oh-so-elusive Millenials.
MGM Grand launching a virtual reality arena
Earlier this week, MGM Resorts International announced its new partnership with Zero Latency. Together they are going to bring a free-roam virtual reality arena to the Grand.
What is a virtual reality arena, you ask? Imagine laser tag, but instead of a real course with physical obstacles, players wear VR gear with their laser gun. Instead of real obstacles, the arena is wide open, allowing players the ability to easily move around and explore their virtual environments.
Zero Latency first launched an arena in Melbourne, Australia. There are now nine Zero Latency arenas across four continents. For $88, players can play a number of games in the arena, along with several others.
The MGM Grand arena will offer three games:
- Zombie Survival – This game sounds like what it is. Kill zombies with your weapon. Survive until a rescue team can come and save you.
- Singularity – This game is set on a space station. Players must battle robots and drones in search of what malfunction broke the ship.
- Engineerium – This one is much less grim than the other two options. In this puzzle game, you are floating above a strange planet alongside flying creatures. You have to solve puzzles with your teammates in order to stay afloat.
Each game session last for 30 minutes. These games allow for a max of six players a session.
VR arena will be part of Level Up
The VR arena will be part of the aforementioned Level UP lounge. The arena will open for business on Sept. 8.
MGM Grand’s COO and President Scott Sibella expressed his enthusiasm for the new arena in the casino’s official press release:
“We were looking to bring a unique entertainment element to MGM Grand and found the perfect fit with Zero Latency. This company creates virtual reality gaming experiences using astounding technology. There is simply nothing like this anywhere in Las Vegas and we’re proud that MGM Grand is the first in the city to roll out an exciting and fun virtual “wow moment” for our guests.”
Level Up has served as a testing ground for new products before. The lounge currently features the skill-based Frogger slot game from Konami, among others.
Unfortunately, skill-based games in both Nevada and New Jersey are struggling to find an audience. Here is hoping the virtual reality arena will do a better job bringing in younger players to the property.
