Brothers Kyle and Michael Markus grew up in Âé¶čAV and watched all the fun stuff like the Flinstones shut down.
The pair wanted to give back to the community and bring back activities more than just hitting the beach.
Kyle says the project has been five years in the making, but together they finally opened Virtual Rcades.
âThere are lots of virtual reality arcades where you go and put on the headset and you look at visuals. What we want to do is we want to take it to the next level where youâre not just seeing it but youâre feeling it,â Kyle said.
The gaming centre hasnât been open for long, but lots of people have already come by to check it out.
Kyle said you can book for an hour at $40 per person. They keep groupings small to ensure no one has to wait around.
âWe brought in technology that is very complex from overseas to Âé¶čAV. Itâs the first time itâs ever been done in North America, but we really wanted to bring it to Âé¶čAV first so we could give back to our community and give our community something to do now.â
The simulations are ever changing because different visuals and scenarios can be programmed into the various machines, meaning there is always something new to try.
âWe have rollercoasters, F-1 racecars, jetpacks, war machines, anything you can really think of we have it. My favourite would be the 360 spinner in the back that will flip you upsidedown like a washing machine,â Kyle said.
The brothers are excited to finally be open and have customers eager to try out the different machines. They said if all goes well Virtual Rcades could become a franchise in the future.
âI believe this is the future of entertainment. You canât go much further, because now youâre fully immersed in the action. Youâre not just seeing it, youâre feeling it - youâre flying like a bird, youâre riding on a hot air balloon, youâre riding on a rollercoaster, but youâre never leaving your space.â
Check out the new business on Findlay Rd. Book your time slot online at virtualrcades.com.
READ MORE: Read all about it: Okanagan Heritage Museum showcases Âé¶čAVâs first newspaper
READ MORE: Spring snow creates slick roads in North Okanagan
brittany.webster@blackpress.ca
Like us on and follow us on