How to Plan a VR Arcade Equipment Mix: 5 Zones That Guide Customer Flow

If VR equipment is not arranged properly, different machines may interfere with each other. An unsuitable layout can also affect customer flow and reduce the revenue of the venue.

A good VR arcade layout should place different types of machines in suitable areas. Customers should be naturally guided from the entrance to the central attractions and then to the deeper parts of the venue.

Confirm Four Things Before Planning the Layout

Before preparing a VR experience center design, the customer should provide:

• ✅ A CAD drawing of the venue
• ✅The venue size and usable floor space
• ✅The equipment investment budget
• ✅Information about competing VR arcades within approximately 10 kilometers

This information helps the manufacturer understand the site and prepare a more suitable design plan.

Zone 1: Entrance Visual Attraction Area

We recommend placing a VR music machine, dancing machine or 360 VR machine near the entrance.

Music machines have strong rhythm, energetic sounds and visible player movement. When several players compete with each other, the atmosphere can become very lively and attract more people to stop and watch.

A 360 VR machine also has a large movement range, making it easy to attract the attention of people passing by.

The main purpose of this area is to attract customers and encourage them to enter the venue.

Zone 2: Beginner-Friendly Experience Area

Experience-based machines, such as VR cinema equipment, are more suitable for customers trying VR for the first time.

These machines have a low learning requirement. Players do not need to understand complicated controls, so they can begin the experience quickly.

This saves time, improves operating efficiency and makes the experience easier for beginners.

Zone 3: Central Signature Attraction Area

The central area should contain one of the venue’s main attractions.

We recommend placing VR Skydiving in this area. It is a newer and exciting VR product that supports two players and has a large movement range.

Its appearance and movement can attract attention from different parts of the venue. This makes it suitable as a signature machine that represents the VR experience center.

Zone 4: Multiplayer Competition and Social Area

Two-player machines are suitable for couples, friends and siblings.

Multiplayer equipment can support larger groups, sometimes with more than ten players. It is suitable for corporate team-building activities, families and groups of friends.

These machines allow customers to play together, making the experience more interactive and social.

When planning the VR equipment mix, the multiplayer area should have enough space for players, waiting customers and staff.

Zone 5: Rear Deep-Immersion Area

We recommend placing a large free-roaming VR Arena in the rear section of the venue.

A VR Arena normally requires approximately 36 to 100 square meters, depending on the number of players and the selected configuration.

This type of equipment allows multiple players to walk around and play together in the same area. It offers strong interaction and a more immersive experience.

Because it requires a large amount of space, placing it in the rear area can keep the entrance and main walkways clear.

Large multiplayer VR experiences are currently popular in many markets and can help attract families, groups and team-building customers.

Viewing, Queueing, Storage and Cleaning Areas

All VR equipment should have a clearly defined safety area. Fences or barriers can be placed around the machines where necessary.

The queueing area should be separated from the main walkway. The route from waiting to entering the machine should also be arranged clearly.

A separate viewing area can be provided for spectators. A large display screen can be installed so that they can see what the players are experiencing.

The storage area should also be separated, with a suitable number of lockers for customers’ personal belongings.

A dedicated cleaning area is needed for staff to clean VR headsets, controllers and other equipment accessories.

Recommended VR Equipment Mix

As a general reference, we recommend the following equipment ratio:

• ✅30% experience-based equipment
• ✅30% interactive equipment
• ✅30% competitive equipment
• ✅10% large multiplayer equipment

This ratio gives customers different types of experiences and prevents the venue from being filled with similar machines.

The exact VR equipment mix should still be adjusted according to the venue size, target customers, local market and investment budget.

Customer Flow and Safety Distances

Stationary equipment should have at least one meter of safety space around it.

Machines with strong movement should have at least two meters of safety space around them.

The exact distance depends on the size and movement range of each machine.

Clear walkways should also be kept between different equipment areas so that customers can move safely through the venue.

Supporting Facilities and Interior Design

We recommend using a high-tech design style because VR is a technology-based entertainment product.

Cool colors such as blue and purple are suitable for the lighting. Energetic music can help create a lively atmosphere, while a science-fiction theme can make the venue feel more immersive.

The lighting, sound and decoration should match the VR arcade layout and help highlight the main attractions.

Skyfun’s Complete Venue Design Service

Skyfun provides equipment selection, floor-plan design and 3D venue design services.

We can also provide on-site equipment installation and testing, as well as training on equipment use and maintenance.

In addition, Skyfun can provide venue operation training to help customers prepare for daily business.

The overall plan can be adjusted according to the customer’s venue size, budget and local market.

Conclusion

A suitable VR arcade layout should match local market demand, the available budget and the size of the venue.

Different types of equipment should be combined according to the available space. The main goal is to provide strong playability, varied content and experiences for different customers.

Provide Skyfun with your venue area, CAD drawing and investment budget. We can help prepare a one-stop VR experience center design and equipment plan for your project.