Virtuix, creator of the Omni Arena virtual reality esports attraction, has shared data from over a million plays that reveals that esports is driving repeat play at FECs and is attracting a new audience of gamers that may not have otherwise visited today’s venues.
The Omni Arena platform benefits from on-going weekly and monthly esports contests organised by Virtuix. The top 10 teams each month win over US$5,000 and the total prize pool for 2020 is set to be over $100,000. The cash prizes appear to be instrumental in attracting guests and stimulate repeat play.
Of all plays on the attraction in the US with a user account, 32 per cent are repeat and Virtuix reports that this recurring revenue increases over time. At Omni Arena’s earliest site, Pinballz in Austin, Texas, the repeat play rate has risen to 44 per cent.
“Our data shows that esports contests are resulting in incredible repeat-play rates,” said Jan Goetgeluk, founder and CEO of Virtuix. “Some of our top players have competed over 70 times in less than six months, spending $12 or $15 per play.”
In a player survey filled out by nearly 5,000 Omni Arena players, 43 per cent report they visited the venue specifically to play Omni Arena. This result indicates that an esports attraction can function as an anchor for FECs and attract an audience of gamers who may not otherwise visit.
“Esports attracts gamers who usually don’t visit an FEC,” confirmed Goetgeluk. “Ultimately, high repeat play and new customers result in increased revenues for the operator. At our top sites, Omni Arena generated over $30,000 in revenue in December alone.”
Omni Arena is a full-body, competitive virtual reality attraction for up to four players. Motion platforms inside the attraction enable players to walk and run around inside video games. Guests can compete for top spots on leaderboards and win a share of a $100,000 esports prize pool sponsored by Virtuix and Hewlett Packard.
