The world (or should we say Metaverse) of virtual reality is slowing becoming more popular. But although many people want to try it out, spending thousands of pounds on a gaming system or an experience you’ve never had before is probably not something many are thrilled about. Luckily, there are an ever-increasing number of places to go to strap on a headset and leave the real world for an hour or two, so you don’t need to wait another 20 years for the technology to be more accessible. These are all the spots that offer a VR experience in Birmingham.
Matrix VR
Matrix VR pride themselves on offering a unique experience in this city. They are a virtual reality gaming arcade, and so they prioritise their technology and have a wide range of games to choose from. Their single player catalogue includes Space Pirate Trainer, The Lab, and Fastigium Dead End to name a few. They also have a number of multiplayer games, such as Hover Junkers and Belko VR, so you can bring a few friends for a change of scene from your usual PS5 and pizza night. They provide the highest spec headsets and computers, running on ultrafast processors – so no lagging to be found here!
Although it hasn’t opened yet, Matrix VR are also soon to be introducing their VR cinema to the second city. You’ve seen 3D, and maybe even 4D, but this will be a whole new experience. Take a seat in a 360° rotating chair and don’t just watch the movie, but see it through the eyes of the characters. For 30 minutes, you will be able to go on a wild adventure, get spooked like you’ve never been spooked before, or just relax in a new world. With a choice between 4 genres, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for you. If after a taste of the VR lifestyle you don’t want the fun to end, you can pop in to their VR and PC shop and grab yourself a VR-ready, custom unit computer. You can even order a headset, with the staff being ready and able to answer any questions you have so you can be sure that you find the right set up for you.
Zellig Building, The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham B9 4AT
Meetspace
meetspace VR market themselves as an “urban VR theme park” and, barring the lack of rollercoasters, they’re not too far off. With a 200 square meter arena, they provide you with the space, headsets, and games to enter and explore a world without limitations. Think open world gaming but your body is your controller and there are no half-empty cans of Monster in your peripheral vision. Enter the VR Quest Zone for a free-roam experience, or try your luck at a multiplayer survival game with Zero Latency. Warehouse scale, you and up to 7 others can compete or co-operate in a range of game options. Battle zombies in Undead Arena, Zombie Survival, or Outbreak Origins. Explore outer space in Singularity or Sol Raiders. You can even enter a family-friendly world in with Engineerium, or play Far Cry 3 like you’ve never played it before.
But it doesn’t stop there. Give the VR arcade a go – perfect for first timers to experience the new style of gameplay on your own or with friends in a series of mini games and tournaments. Or add a new twist to an old favourite, and try your luck in a VR escape room. The introduction of headsets literally change the game, and allow you to experience escape rooms that would not be possible in real life. It’s the best options for people who aren’t big gamers but still want to try out VR. And after all the virtual fun, get back to reality with a drink at the bar. First round’s on the loser!
Utilita Arena, St Vincent St, Birmingham B1 2AA
Otherworld
If you think VR is just headsets and first-person shooter games, you’d be wrong. Visit Otherworld and experience something with much more than just your eyes. Their Immersion Pod technology allows you to feel heat, wind, and rumbling whilst on your island paradise. The island is a (literal) sandbox, split between 4 seasons and hosting 16 VR experiences. Even if the weather is miserable and rainy outside, if you step into a pod you can not just see but feel the sun on your face, and spend a day at the beach. Missed the snow this Christmas? No matter, because you can feel the cold air and have a snowball fight with your friends. If you prefer to get stuck into gaming, then walk through a portal and choose anything from fighting in a zombie apocalypse, to cultivating a beautiful garden, to some real(-ish) life Fruit Ninja!
As you play, you earn DreamCoin, the local currency of Otherworld, which you can spend at the IRL bar. That’s right, this isn’t just an empty room, it’s also a themed bar – and a gorgeous one at that! Tap drinks, cocktails, and self-serve soda guns, they didn’t skimp on the reality part of this place. The bar is open to everyone, whether or not you put on a headset, so even the technophobes in your party can enjoy themselves. But it’s worth playing too, as your DreamCoin is credited to your account, so the more often you come, the more you accumulate.
20 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5QJ
Escape Hunt
Last but not least, get ready for a newcomer to the escape room scene. Escape Hunt offers a number of VR escape rooms in addition to their real ones. But don’t think you’ll be putting on some goggles just to see a room with a locked door and a few clues strewn about the place. Mission Sigma places you in a tower that leads to a missile that will blow up civilisation, and you need to get to it in the next 45 minutes before it goes off. Alice is based on Alice in Wonderland, and has you don the blue dress and navigate the topsy-turvy world of evil queens and talking cats. A Christmas Story makes you take up Santa’s role after he is lost in a snowstorm, and save the big man while you’re at it.
These are just some of the games you can play at this immersive location. And after you escape (hopefully), there’s a luxury lounge and VIP amenities to enjoy as celebration. Escape Hunt is also located at Resorts World, so there are many places to eat and drink right outside the door.
Units 37 & 38 Resorts World, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1PU
