Virtual gaming in Europe's largest virtual reality centre

Flying like an eagle or exploring foreign planets - virtual reality makes such experiences possible: here on site, from March, in the new Fusion Arena, Letzipark, Zurich. A virtual reality centre with up to ten players - a novelty not only in Switzerland, but throughout Europe.

The Fusion Arena opens in the Letzipark shopping centre in Zurich on 1 March 2018. Up to ten players can immerse themselves in virtual worlds over an area of 500 square metres and take their first steps in the latest leisure activity of the future.

There are two fascinating offers right from the start: the peaceful adventure game "The Water of Eternal Life" and the zombie shooter "Biohazard". There is also the Icaros flight simulator, which allows visitors to fly like an eagle or dive like a dolphin.

The Fusion Arena lounge invites all newcomers to gain experience in VR attractions in the home area beforehand. "The Fusion Arena will not be a gaming den just for gamers, but an open experience space for everyone, from friends to families to companies," explains Ronny Tobler, CEO of Pandally AG, which developed and operates the project. Tobler (35) - originally from Basel - has spent a large part of his career at Microsoft Switzerland. He is the founder and head of Pandally AG and previously worked at game developer Kenzan Studios in Geneva.

The technology behind the Fusion Arena

The backbone of the Fusion Arena is the interaction between the tracking system, backpack PC and head-mounted display. The concept was specially adapted to the location in Letzipark in collaboration with True-VR-Systems, a brand of Red Cube GmbH. Several dozen highly sensitive cameras ensure that every player and every interactive element in the virtual world is displayed without delay and in the correct location.

Each player is initially equipped with a backpack PC and head-mounted display, which enables them to perceive and move around the Fusion Arena completely wirelessly and autonomously. "A virtual reality centre with ten players is an absolute novelty throughout Europe, which is why the Fusion Arena is a flagship project for us," says Philip Lacoste from True-VR-Systems.

The Fusion Arena games

A United Nations unit has developed the Fusion Gate in a secret mission, a stargate that enables travelling to other planets. It is located on a base in the Alpine massif and is operationally managed by the Swiss army. The mission of the Fusion Gate Command: to explore foreign worlds, share knowledge and support worlds in need.

Mission #1 "The water of eternal life"

While exploring the planet Alpha, the Fusion Gate Command has come across scrolls that mention the water of eternal life. The task now is to find this water. The 4 to 10 players must work together to solve puzzles and overcome chasms.

Mission #2 "Biohazard"

The Fusion Gate Command is asked for help by the friendly planet Merua. It has been infected by a virus that is turning the Meruans into zombies. The aim of the mission is to find the original virus in a laboratory and bring it back to Earth. In the process, they are attacked by zombies and have to put up a massive defence.

Fusion Arena Lounge

To make it as easy as possible for everyone to enter the virtual world, the Fusion Arena lounge invites all players to gain their first experience with various models and game types using virtual reality technologies. Many will already be familiar with this from the home environment. They can get in the mood for the two games and chat with like-minded people over a drink in between. What's more, the equipment includes large screens at each station so that guests watching can also join in the excitement.

Last but not least: hygiene is fundamental

Active players can organise their actions in such a way that they can work up a sweat. Regardless of their level, our operators clean and sanitise the equipment after every game. This ensures that everyone has a fresh set at their disposal. In addition, we provide a hygiene butler at all game stations, which visitors can use at any time.

As far as game development in the Fusion Arena is concerned, there will soon be additional game options.

We'll be sure to test it for you!

Source: MM