Inside VR
Inside VR
Podcast Description
The VR Collective Show brings you expert insights on the business of VR entertainment. Whether you're an operator, developer, or investor, we dive into the latest trends, strategies, and innovations shaping VR arcades, attractions, and location-based experiences. Expect interviews, case studies, and industry deep dives—dropping as needed, whenever there’s something important to discuss.
Episodes drop as needed—whenever there’s something important to discuss. Stay tuned for interviews, deep dives, and practical insights
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show focuses on the evolving dynamics of VR arcades, attractions, and location-based experiences, covering topics like the future of immersive gaming rooms, engaging younger audiences in entertainment venues, and the creative processes behind successful VR games. For example, episodes explore the transition from headset to projection-based gaming and discuss strategies for connecting with Gen Z and Alpha audiences.
The VR Collective Show brings you expert insights on the business of VR entertainment. Whether you’re an operator, developer, or investor, we dive into the latest trends, strategies, and innovations shaping VR arcades, attractions, and location-based experiences. Expect interviews, case studies, and industry deep dives—dropping as needed, whenever there’s something important to discuss.
Episodes drop as needed—whenever there’s something important to discuss. Stay tuned for interviews, deep dives, and practical insights
Podcast Intro
In 2017, IMAX tried to bring virtual reality to theaters, and failed. But the story didn’t end there.
In this episode, Bob Cooney explores what went wrong with IMAX VR, why its brand extension never made sense, and how a new generation of large-scale, story-driven VR experiences is succeeding where IMAX stumbled. From Horizon of Khufu and Titanic to the upcoming Black Mirror immersive experience, Bob connects the dots between IMAX’s documentary roots and today’s free-roam VR storytelling boom.
He also breaks down the numbers, the business models, and the opportunity for movie theaters sitting on underperforming auditoriums to transform them into profitable immersive venues.
Show Notes (for podcast platforms)
Topics Covered:
How IMAX VR began and why it failed to align with IMAX’s core storytelling brand.
The historical evolution of IMAX: from museum documentaries to blockbuster format.
Why early VR gaming arcades couldn’t make money (low throughput, high labor, poor fit).
The rise of “large-scale free-roam storytelling VR” , and why it works.
Case studies:
Horizon of Khufu (Excurio) – the $25M immersive expedition that proved the model.
Univrse + Banijay’s upcoming Black Mirror VR – mainstream storytelling in LBE.
Wevr, Small Creative, and others bridging art, education, and entertainment.
How 2,500 sq ft theaters can host 50+ guests profitably.
The movie theater opportunity: converting 5,000 underperforming auditoriums into VR experiences.
Real-world examples:
Sphere’s $15M pre-sales for Wizard of Oz.
Cosm’s immersive screenings of The Matrix and Willy Wonka.
IMAX generating 20% of opening-weekend box office on just 1% of global screens.
Why collaboration among VR studios is essential, and how LEXRA aims to unite them.
Key Takeaway:
The future of immersive entertainment lies between cinema and gaming. Story-driven, free-roam VR – what Bob calls “walk-through theaters” – can do for this decade what IMAX did for the 2000s: redefine how audiences experience stories.
Connect & Continue the Conversation:
Join the discussion at LEXRA
- Check out the latest in LBE VR/XR at the VR Collective
- Get news about the newest innovations and products straight to your inbox via the INSIDE VR newsletter
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.