Designing a VR Arcade: Layout, Simulator Types, and Business Tips

Why Mix Thrill VR Games, Kiddie Rides, and Family-Friendly Attractions

Appealing to a Broader Audience

• • A well-rounded VR arcade needs to cater to a diverse range of customers to maximize its potential and ensure long-term success. Here's how combining different types of attractions appeals to different audience segments:

  • For Young Adults and Gamers

    Thrill VR games—like shooting simulators, racing, and adventure experiences—offer exciting, immersive gameplay. These attractions engage thrill-seekers and gamers, providing action-packed fun and challenges that appeal to young adults and gamers. 

    For Families with Children

    Kiddie rides and family-friendly attractions provide safe, simple entertainment for young children. Parents can comfortably supervise while kids enjoy rides, creating a relaxing, family-friendly environment for both children and their guardians.

    For Social Groups

    Multiplayer VR games, 5D cinemas, and interactive motion chairs are perfect for social groups. These attractions encourage interaction, teamwork, and fun shared experiences, boosting group visits and increasing foot traffic to the venue.

Increasing Venue Utilization and Repeat Visits

A mixed venue model allows for strategic scheduling based on customer needs. Families with kids typically visit during the day, while young adults or social groups flock in the evening. This dynamic reduces congestion during peak hours, balancing foot traffic across the day. 

Visitors can enjoy multiple attractions in one visit (e.g., parents enjoying VR games while their kids ride kiddie attractions), increasing dwell time and spending per visit. Frequent content updates for VR games, as well as rotating kiddie rides and family attractions, keep the experience fresh for repeat customers, boosting engagement. Learn more about increasing venue utilization and customer engagement

Enhancing Experience Diversity and Increasing Competitiveness

Consumers are no longer content with just one type of experience. They now expect a diverse, multi-faceted entertainment offering that caters to different tastes and preferences. By providing thrills, relaxation, and social spaces all in one venue, operators gain a significant competitive edge over others. A balanced approach allows operators to cater to various demographics at once, from families to young adults, reducing reliance on a single attraction and ensuring that visitors remain engaged for longer periods. This strategy maximizes the venue’s appeal and keeps customers returning for a fresh and diverse experience.

Recommended Attractions to Include

To build a truly balanced and engaging venue, here are specific recommendations for each type of attraction. Explore recommended VR arcade attractions.

Thrill VR Games / VR Simulators

• Attraction Type	Description	Target Audience	Revenue Potential
  Shooting, Action, and Adventure VR Games	Fast-paced games involving shooting, exploration, and adventure.	Young adults and gamers seeking excitement.	High ticket prices and longer durations, core revenue driver.
  Racing and Driving VR Simulators	VR racing, flight, and driving simulators offering immersive speed experiences.	Speed and racing enthusiasts.	Popular, high-revenue experiences for adrenaline seekers.
  Multiplayer VR Games	Social, team-based VR games for friends and competitive players.	Groups, families, competitive players.	Boosts group visits and overall traffic.
  Immersive Story-driven VR Experiences	Narrative-driven VR experiences that immerse players in captivating stories.	Those who enjoy deep, interactive stories.	Engaging, offering value and enhancing overall customer experience.

  Revenue Insights: VR experiences typically offer higher ticket prices and longer sessions, with VR simulators having quicker ROI (6–12 months).

Kiddie Rides / Family-Friendly Equipment

• Attraction Type	Description	Target Audience	Benefit
  Light, Low-Stimulation Kiddie Rides	Simple, safe, fun rides like motion seats or interactive kiddie attractions.	Children and families.	Safe, engaging rides that attract families and encourage repeat visits.
  Family VR Experiences	Gentle VR experiences like mini VR motion chairs or soft VR scenarios for parents and kids together.	Families with young children.	Allows families to enjoy VR together, making it accessible and fun for all ages.
  Parent-Child Combo Tickets	Family or parent-child packages to encourage shared experiences.	Parents and children.	Affordable options that make it easier for families to enjoy time together, enhancing customer retention.

  These attractions create a family-friendly atmosphere and encourage repeat visits by making it easy for parents to enjoy VR with their children in a safe, welcoming environment.

Family-Friendly / Shared Attractions (For Groups and All Ages)

• Attraction Type	Description	Target Audience	Benefit
  Multiplayer VR / Interactive Games	Games that allow multiple people to play together, encouraging social interaction and teamwork.	Groups, families, friends.	Promotes cooperation and shared experiences, ideal for social gatherings.
  Shared Experiences	5D/9D cinemas, motion theaters, or interactive booths for all ages.	All age groups.	Engages everyone with immersive experiences, making it perfect for families or groups.
  Relaxation and Social Zones	Areas for families and groups to rest, observe, or enjoy food and drinks.	Families, social groups.	Provides a comfortable space for relaxation, enhancing the overall experience and lengthening visit duration.

  These attractions cater to larger groups, foster social interaction, and ensure all age groups can enjoy the venue together.

Design & Layout Tips

Effective venue layout and space allocation are crucial to ensuring that visitors have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience. Here are some key considerations for your venue’s design. Learn more about VR arcade layout strategies.

Zoning

• • High-Intensity Thrill Zones: Dedicate areas for VR simulators and action-packed games, ideal for young adults and thrill-seekers. These zones should be strategically placed to maximize engagement while maintaining safety protocols for high-energy activities. Ensuring a balance between intensity and safety enhances the thrill while preventing accidents or discomfort.

  • Family & Kiddie Zones: Allocate spaces for kiddie rides and family-friendly VR experiences, positioned near rest and parent observation areas for easy supervision. This ensures a comfortable and safe environment for families with younger children. Additionally, having child-friendly designs promotes a more welcoming atmosphere for families to spend quality time together.

  • Multiplayer & Social Zones: Provide spaces for group activities where families and friends can enjoy VR or interactive games together. These zones encourage teamwork, competition, and social interaction, creating memorable experiences for groups of all sizes. The layout should be flexible, accommodating both small and large groups to engage in activities comfortably.

  • Observation & Rest Areas: Create comfortable seating, spectator spaces, and dining options for guests to relax and socialize. These areas offer a break from the action, allowing visitors to recharge while still enjoying the atmosphere of the venue. These spaces should be thoughtfully located to provide easy access and a calm environment away from intense activities.

  • Redemption Zones: Position prize booths and redemption games near the exit for easy access as guests leave. This helps increase impulse purchases and encourages guests to return for more rewarding experiences in the future. Clear signage and engaging displays can make redemption areas more attractive, increasing customer interaction and satisfaction.

Flow and Traffic Management

• Smooth Traffic Flow: Ensure smooth traffic flow to avoid congestion. Design the layout with a clear path from entry → main attractions → rest/observe → exit/retail, ensuring easy navigation for all visitors. This flow should account for peak times, with wider pathways and clear signage to guide visitors through the venue efficiently, minimizing bottlenecks and confusion.

  Separation of Noisy Attractions: Keep noisy, high-intensity attractions away from family and kiddie areas to reduce stress and enhance comfort for families and young children. Creating noise-buffer zones with soundproofing or strategically placed walls helps maintain a peaceful environment for younger guests while still providing excitement for thrill-seekers. This zoning also minimizes distractions, ensuring a more enjoyable experience for all age groups.

  Family Zone Supervision: Design family zones with sufficient space for supervision, ensuring easy access to exits, restrooms, and amenities for the comfort of parents and guardians. This includes clear sightlines and areas with comfortable seating where parents can observe their children’s activities without feeling disconnected. It’s also beneficial to have convenient access to first aid and baby care stations, enhancing the venue’s family-friendly appeal.

Space and Equipment Allocation

For a medium-sized venue (about 1,000 square meters), consider the following layout:

• Main Simulator/High-Price Attractions: 25-30%

• Kiddie Rides/Family-Friendly Area: 10-12%

• Rest/Social Areas: 10-12%

• Redemption Zone: 12-15%

• Back-office/Staff Area: 8-10%

These proportions can be adjusted based on target demographics, but flexibility in layout ensures the venue can adapt to future growth and evolving customer preferences.

Operations & Business Considerations

A well-designed venue with diverse attractions is important, but solid operations and a sustainable business model are key to success. Here are some essential operational strategies:

• If a venue only relies on VR attractions, content diversity becomes crucial. Without regular updates or a wide variety of games, the venue may struggle to maintain visitor interest. Diversifying the types of experiences (e.g., thrill rides, family attractions, multiplayer games) can help sustain customer interest over the long term and encourage repeat visits, enhancing long-term profitability.

• Additionally, market positioning must be carefully planned. For instance, if the arcade is marketed primarily toward families, it needs to offer sufficient family-friendly attractions. If it targets young adults or thrill-seekers, the majority of the attractions should be adrenaline-driven, while still maintaining some family-friendly options. Clear market segmentation can ensure that the venue consistently meets the expectations of its target audience.

• Seasonality can also affect attendance. During school holidays or summer, family-friendly attractions might see a boost in attendance, while off-peak times could see a drop in visitors. Strategic planning is required to balance peak and off-peak periods through pricing and promotions. Implementing dynamic pricing models during different seasons can help maximize revenue while maintaining customer satisfaction during slower months.

  Ticketing and Pricing Strategies

  • VR Simulators & Thrill Experiences: Charge per session or by time (e.g., 5-10 minutes per experience).

  • Kiddie Rides & Family Experiences: Offer combo or family tickets to encourage joint participation.

  • Group Events & Parties: Provide group rates, team packages, and membership cards to boost repeat visits.

  Secondary Revenue Streams

  • Food and Beverage: Sell snacks, drinks, and themed food to increase per-visitor revenue and keep guests engaged.

  • Merchandise: Offer branded items, souvenirs, and themed merchandise for visitors to take home.

  • Membership Programs: Develop loyalty or membership schemes that provide discounts, early access, or exclusive perks to regular customers.

  Maintenance, Safety, and Customer Support

  • Equipment Maintenance: Regularly clean, calibrate, and test VR headsets, simulators, and motion chairs to ensure safety and comfort. Keeping equipment in top condition prevents technical issues and improves customer experience.

  • Employee Training: Train staff to operate equipment, deliver customer service, enforce safety protocols, and resolve technical issues quickly. A knowledgeable team enhances the customer experience and minimizes disruptions.

  • Content Updates: Refresh VR content regularly to keep experiences exciting and relevant. Introducing new games, scenarios, or themes helps maintain customer interest and encourages repeat visits.

  By focusing on these operational aspects, venues can enhance customer satisfaction, improve profitability, and ensure long-term success.

  

  Risks & Challenges

  While a mixed VR arcade model offers many benefits, operators must be aware of certain risks and challenges that come with this approach.

  Equipment Maintenance Costs & Technical Support

  • Although VR simulators generally require less maintenance than traditional rides, the technology still needs regular upkeep. VR headsets, controllers, and motion chairs can wear out over time, requiring repairs or replacements. Additionally, content updates may demand ongoing investment in both hardware and software, which can increase operational costs. As technology evolves, older equipment may become outdated and need upgrading.

  Safety & User Experience

  • VR-induced motion sickness (VR sickness) is a common issue for many users, particularly in high-intensity VR games. To avoid negative experiences, venues should carefully design VR games with dynamic field-of-view (FOV) adjustments and introduce periodic rest breaks to prevent discomfort.

  • Safety Protocols: Ensuring that all rides and attractions meet safety standards is crucial, especially in the kiddie rides and family-friendly zones. Clear signage, well-trained staff, and safety guidelines can minimize the risk of accidents. Managing crowd flow is also essential—especially during peak times. Poor layout or insufficient staff may lead to long wait times and frustration, which can negatively impact the customer experience.

  Market Positioning & Content Diversity

  To remain competitive, operators must balance a diverse content offering that appeals to various customer demographics. Failing to regularly update content or provide fresh experiences can lead to decreased visitor interest and a stagnant reputation. Additionally, improper market positioning or lack of targeted marketing could limit the venue’s ability to attract different customer segments. A diverse range of VR experiences, from high-intensity games to family-friendly attractions, is essential for maintaining long-term interest and standing out in a growing market. Regular updates and tailored content will ensure ongoing relevance and customer engagement.

• Conclusion & Recommendations

As the VR arcade industry continues to grow, it’s clear that building a successful venue requires more than just offering a single type of experience. Combining Thrill VR Games, Kiddie Rides, and Family-Friendly Attractions into a single, well-rounded entertainment center allows operators to cater to a broader audience, ensuring long-term success. This mixed-use approach attracts families, young adults, social groups, and all age demographics, while simultaneously maximizing venue utilization and profitability. To learn more about how to design and operate a successful VR arcade, visit VR Arcade Game.