Attended vs. Unattended VR: Which is Right for My FEC?

Hello FEC operators! As virtual reality continues to rise in popularity, many Family Entertainment Centers are considering incorporating VR attractions into their offerings. One key decision to make is whether to opt for an attended or unattended VR experience. Both options come with their own sets of advantages and challenges.

In this guide, we will explore the differences between attended and unattended VR, and help you determine which option is the best fit for your FEC.

Attended VR

Attended VR experiences will require a staff member to, as the name implies, attend to the players in various ways from helping them in and out of the equipment similar to a laser tag onboarding team member to simply hitting play when the group is ready to begin. These experiences are often designed for large groups, accommodating between 6-10 players at one time.

Pros:

• Group Experience: Great way to increase group sales and sell as part of a party package, creating a shared, memorable experience.

• Staff Interaction: Staff presence can enhance the guest experience by providing instructions, answering questions, and ensuring safety.

• High Capacity: Can accommodate a larger number of players at one time, maximizing throughput.

Cons:

• Staffing Requirements: Requires dedicated staff to operate, increasing labor costs.

• Space Requirements: Often requires a larger footprint to accommodate the group size.

• Wait Times: Due to the group nature, there may be longer wait times for guests.

Unattended VR

Unattended VR experiences, on the other hand, are usually (but not always) seated experiences where guests can "self-serve" themselves. These experiences typically accommodate only 1-2 players at a time, making them better suited for a traditional arcade floor with redemption cabinets.

Pros:

• Self-Serve: Allows guests to start the experience themselves, reducing the need for dedicated staff.

• Space-Efficient: Typically requires less space than attended VR experiences.

• Flexible: Suitable for both solo players and smaller groups.

Cons:

• Limited Capacity: Usually only accommodates 1-2 players at a time, limiting throughput.

• Less Social: The experience is often less social compared to attended VR, as it is designed for fewer players.

• Learning Curve: Some guests may find it challenging to start and operate the experience themselves.

Ultimately, the decision between attended and unattended VR will depend on various factors, including your FEC's size, staffing capacity, target audience, and overall business model. Attended VR may be a better fit if you have larger groups visiting your FEC, have the space and staff to accommodate them, and want to offer a more social and interactive experience. On the other hand, unattended VR may be more suitable if you have limited space and staff, and cater to smaller groups or solo players.

If space and budget allow, the only real question is: Why not both?

When you are ready to add attended VR, unattended VR or both to your location, we’re here to help you make the best purchasing decision and get the best deals through our expansion VR distribution partnerships. Contact us at The Rabbit Hole, and let’s work together to create a VR experience that will delight your guests and optimize your FEC operations.