The gaming and eSports industry is worth several million euros.
The sector is constantly attracting new customers, while the technologies used in gaming rooms are becoming ever more advanced.
Opening a virtual reality center as a franchise can be an excellent opportunity to enter a booming sector and become an entrepreneur.
However, it is essential to be well prepared and to follow certain key steps.
How do I open a virtual reality room?
A business plan is essential if you are to turn your plans to open a virtual reality center into reality.
It will enable you to assess the viability of your project, secure financing and define a clear strategy.
Identify existing virtual reality centers in your area, their strengths and weaknesses.
Assess the potential of your local market in terms of size, growth and the socio-demographic characteristics of your target clientele.
Defining the concept in order to position yourself against the competition enables you to anticipate the offer and identify potential partners.
Launching a business with the help of a franchise network is an advantage for entrepreneurs, as there are fewer risks involved.
The franchisee benefits from the brand’s name and reputation, as well as a proven concept for a rapid start-up.
By following the same business model as the franchisor, the entrepreneur can estimate the profitability of his business after just two years in operation.
Find a franchisor in the RV industry
How do you find a franchisor whose concept suits you? Take a look at the different brands offering virtual reality franchises. Compare their concepts, financial requirements, support, reputation and results. Take into account your affinity with the concept, your budget, your geographical location and your objectives when making your selection. Some arcade networks will impose their own conditions, particularly concerning the size of the premises. Because of the nature of the activity, the virtual reality center must be set up in premises of at least 250 square meters. The aim is to provide enough real space to accommodate different groups of customers simultaneously. However, the annual rent must not exceed 9% of sales.
The franchisor can also help with location and catchment area selection. The franchisor facilitates the purchase of equipment and virtual reality headsets. As for video game licenses, these can be purchased or leased, depending on the type of designer. The DreamAway VR franchise is a brand with a growing reputation, offering not only an immersive gaming experience, but also a branch dedicated to learning through virtual reality thanks to VR4SKILLS. Tailor-made services are offered to individuals and companies, broadening the scope of possibilities. Franchise sales for the national leader in VR spaces are estimated at 350,000 euros over 2 years.
Key points for investing
As well as passing on know-how, opening a virtual reality center as a franchise is an opportunity for the entrepreneur. They have access to a tried-and-tested concept, as well as support from the franchisor in business management issues such as equipment installation, human resources and the implementation of a marketing strategy. The latter is a key factor in attracting and retaining customers through loyalty programs, to ensure the long-term profitability of the business. This means communicating with customers on social networks in advance of the arcade ‘s opening. Franchisors can deploy communication packages including videos, posters or flyers to create anticipation among players.
In addition to the gaming space, a virtual reality center can also offer various areas to welcome the public and transform into a real leisure center.
Gaming and eSports bars, video game stores and escape games are just some of the new activities that set the center apart from the competition.
