VR Club vs. VR Park: Choosing the Best Entertainment Business Model

Over the past decade, virtual reality has grown from a futuristic experiment into one of the most exciting and profitable sectors of the entertainment business. Once limited to headsets and home use, VR has now become a social, shared experience that draws people out of their living rooms and into dedicated venues. This shift has given rise to what we call VR Entertainment — a thriving industry where people gather to step into immersive digital worlds, fight epic battles, race futuristic vehicles, or simply experience what is impossible in everyday life.

What makes VR so powerful is its ability to blur the line between the digital and the physical. In a single session, players can walk through abandoned cities, explore alien planets, or team up with friends to defeat waves of enemies — all while standing in a free-roam arena in their local town. Unlike traditional arcades or cinemas, VR venues offer active participation rather than passive watching, which is why customer demand continues to grow worldwide.

For entrepreneurs, this evolution represents a major opportunity. Opening a VR venue is no longer just about following a trend — it’s about tapping into a proven model of social entertainment that appeals to families, groups of friends, corporate teams, and tourists alike. Yet, like any entertainment business, there isn’t a single formula for success. Different business models have emerged, each with its own strengths, investment requirements, and growth potential.

Two of the most popular formats today are the VR club and the VR park. While they share the same foundation — delivering unforgettable virtual reality experiences, they differ in scale, design, and financial model. Understanding these differences is the key to choosing the right path when planning your venture into VR.

A VR club is one of the most accessible and popular formats of virtual reality entertainment today. Unlike large-scale amusement complexes or theme parks, a VR club is compact, efficient, and designed to fit into an optimized space of approximately 150−250 square meters. Within this footprint, a typical setup includes a free-roam VR arena of 100 square meters, a reception desk, a cozy lounge, and a small waiting zone. This structure allows operators to deliver premium VR experiences without the need for massive real estate or high operating costs.
The heart of every VR club is its free-roam arena, a purpose-designed play area where groups of friends, families, or colleagues can explore immersive digital worlds together. A standard 10×10 meter arena accommodates up to six players per session, each session lasting about 30 minutes. The focus is on group-based, social gameplay — a key factor that differentiates VR clubs from traditional VR arcades, where players often experience content alone. Instead of isolated booths, the VR club creates a shared environment, encouraging teamwork, communication, and memorable experiences.

From a business perspective, the VR club model appeals strongly to first-time entrepreneurs who are exploring how to start a business in the fast-growing VR industry. One of its main advantages is the relatively low barrier to entry. With startup and equipment investments beginning from around $ 50,000, it is considerably more affordable than launching a larger VR park, which requires at least three times that budget. At the same time, a single well-run arena can generate steady income, with average monthly net profits in the range of $ 4,000. For many operators, this makes the VR club an attractive, lower-risk entry point into the world of VR Entertainment.
Another strength of the VR club model is flexibility in location. Because of its moderate size requirements, a VR club can be established in a variety of settings — from shopping malls and cinemas to high-traffic downtown areas. The compact layout makes it easier to find suitable rental opportunities, and the smaller footprint also keeps rent and utility expenses at a manageable level. This is particularly important in urban environments, where larger spaces may be prohibitively expensive or unavailable.

Of course, the VR club format has its limitations. Since it usually relies on a single arena, capacity is restricted compared to larger VR Parks. During peak hours, waiting times may occur, and overall player turnover is lower. Additionally, the revenue potential is capped by the number of players that can fit into one arena per day. However, for entrepreneurs focused on building a sustainable, community-driven entertainment venue with moderate investment and manageable risks, a VR club is often the perfect starting point.

In short, the VR club represents an efficient, scalable business model that balances investment size with profitability, while delivering high-quality virtual reality experiences to a wide audience. It is ideal for smaller spaces, urban centers, and entrepreneurs who want to begin their journey in the entertainment business with a proven, flexible format.

A VR park is a large-scale venue that combines multiple arenas, lounge zones, and simulator-based attractions under one roof. Unlike a compact VR club, which typically focuses on a single free-roam arena, a VR Park offers a full spectrum of experiences, from competitive group adventures to short, adrenaline-pumping rides. This variety not only enhances the customer experience but also makes the business model highly profitable, as it appeals to different age groups, interests, and budgets.

The footprint of a VR park generally ranges between 300 and 1,000 square meters, giving operators the flexibility to design several types of gaming areas. Large 10×10 meter arenas allow groups of up to six players to move freely in cooperative or competitive adventures, while compact 5×5 meter arenas cater to quick, but also immersive games. However, what truly sets a VR park apart is the inclusion of VR attractions — dynamic simulator platforms that deliver the physical sensations of speed, turns, or sudden drops by synchronizing movement with the headset’s virtual world.

These attractions are not about walking through an arena, instead, they place the visitor inside a vehicle-like simulator, where the platform physically moves in response to the game. Examples include VR racing karts that tilt and shake as players speed down virtual tracks, flight simulators that mimic take-offs, dives, and turbulence, and motorbike or rollercoaster rides that reproduce the thrill of sharp curves and drops. Because the action is short — typically 5 to 10 minutes — the turnover is fast, and the profitability per unit of time is very high.

From an operational standpoint, VR attractions also work as powerful marketing tools. Positioned near the entrance, they immediately grab attention and create excitement for passersby. Experience shows that grouping at least four attractions together increases engagement and performance compared to placing one or two separately. Beyond their profitability, they serve as a "wow factor," convincing visitors to explore the rest of the park.

A standard VR park setup also includes a reception desk, where guests can buy tickets, learn about available formats, and book events. Practical additions like lockers, clothing cabinets, and waiting areas ensure comfort and convenience. To expand the revenue model, many parks also include a lounge or several lounges for 12−16 people, which doubles as a venue for private events. Properly promoted, these events, from children’s birthday parties to corporate team-building sessions, can generate around 40% of total revenue.

Because of its variety, a VR park functions much like a family entertainment center: it draws in families with kids, teenagers looking for exciting short rides, groups of friends seeking immersive adventures, and even eSports players competing in tournaments. This diversity creates multiple revenue streams and makes the business more resilient than a single-arena model. Naturally, building such a facility requires more upfront investment (starting around $ 150,000) and larger real estate, but the payoff can be substantial, with average monthly profits exceeding $ 11,000 depending on size and location.

In short, a VR park is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to build a large, high-capacity venue that combines the best of virtual reality gaming with dynamic, simulator-based attractions. It offers a truly universal format of VR Entertainment, capable of impressing first-time visitors and loyal fans alike, and turning every trip into an unforgettable adventure.

When considering whether to open a VR club or a VR park, it’s important to weigh your goals, available resources, and the specifics of your market. Both concepts belong to the growing world of virtual reality entertainment, but they serve slightly different purposes and audiences.
A VR club is often the right choice for entrepreneurs who want to enter the market with a moderate investment and operate in a space-efficient format. With a single large free-roam arena, a club can provide an engaging experience for groups of friends, families, or colleagues while requiring a footprint of as little as 150 square meters. This makes it easier to secure a location in busy shopping centers or city districts. The lean structure also means simplified management and lower operating costs, making it an appealing option for first-time business owners.

A VR park, by contrast, is designed as a destination for mass entertainment. With multiple arenas of different sizes and several VR attractions, it offers variety for every visitor — from short, high-adrenaline rides to long, group-based gaming sessions. Parks attract a wider audience, including families, children’s parties, and even companies hosting corporate events. While the investment and space requirements are higher (starting from around 300 square meters), the potential revenue is also greater, since more customers can be entertained simultaneously.

The decision comes down to your vision:

• Do you want a compact, efficient VR business that can quickly build loyal customers?
• Or do you see yourself running a large-scale entertainment hub with multiple revenue streams and high visibility in your market?

Both formats can be profitable and sustainable — it’s about aligning the model with your resources, ambitions, and long-term strategy.

Starting a business in virtual reality entertainment requires careful planning, clear goals, and a well-thought-out strategy. Whether you are considering a VR club or a VR park, the steps below can help ensure a successful launch:

1. Define your format: Decide whether a compact VR club or a larger VR park aligns with your goals, budget, and available space. Consider factors such as target audience, expected foot traffic, and potential for hosting events or competitions.
2. Conduct market analysis: Research the local demand for VR entertainment, analyze competitors, and identify optimal locations that balance accessibility with affordability.
3. Select a venue: Ensure the space meets the requirements of your chosen format. A VR club can operate in 150−200 square meters, while a VR park may need 300−1000 square meters depending on the number of arenas and VR attractions.
4. Procure equipment: Choose the appropriate VR arenas, headsets, gaming PCs, and, if applicable, VR attractions such as simulators. Pay attention to technical requirements and ensure scalability for future expansion.
5. Plan layout and design: Optimize your space for efficiency, guest flow, and safety. Include areas for reception, lounges, waiting zones, and lockers for personal belongings. In a VR park, carefully position VR attractions to attract attention and maximize revenue.
6. Recruit and train staff: Hire operators and administrative personnel, and provide training on both technical operation and customer service to ensure a smooth guest experience.
7. Marketing and promotion: Develop campaigns to attract your target audience, highlight unique experiences, and leverage social media. Organize events or competitions to increase engagement and repeat visits.
8. Launch and manage operations: Monitor bookings, track revenue, and adjust offerings based on customer feedback. Continuously evaluate the performance of arenas, attractions, and promotions to optimize profitability.

By following these steps, entrepreneurs can confidently enter the world of VR entertainment and create immersive, memorable experiences for their customers.

Anvio VR, a global developer of free-roam multiplayer VR games and franchise solutions, offers partners full support to launch and grow both VR clubs and VR parks. This partnership provides a unique opportunity to build a profitable entertainment business with lower risks and faster market entry. Over 50 partners worldwide have already successfully opened locations with Anvio, benefiting from high-quality VR games, technical expertise, marketing tools, and business guidance.

Key benefits of partnering with Anvio VR include:

• No franchise fee: Partners who meet basic requirements, including at least two game zones, a lounge, and a reception area, can operate under the Anvio brand at no additional cost.
• Global recognition: With over 50 partners and a strong social media presence, Anvio is a trusted name in VR entertainment.
• Exclusive games: High-quality multiplayer VR games deliver unforgettable experiences and generate shareable, viral moments online.
• Flexible pricing models: Options include annual subscriptions, pay-per-player, or royalty-based models, with rates adapted to local markets.
• Full technical support: Remote installation and ongoing maintenance ensure smooth operations from day one.
• Marketing and management tools: Anvio provides comprehensive materials and an all-in-one platform to manage bookings, track game sessions, and operate VR content efficiently.
• Staff training and operational guides: Educational resources and handbooks enable teams to maintain consistent quality and deliver excellent customer service.
• Business planning support: Tools like the financial model calculator allow partners to compare VR club and VR park formats, analyze investment and revenue potential, and make informed decisions on which model works best.

Anvio games are built to deliver full immersion, using high-quality graphics, precise tracking, and intuitive interaction mechanics. The library includes content designed for different free-roam arena sizes, including the flagship 10×10 meter arenas for the most immersive adventure quests, horror scenarios, and story-driven games, as well as mini 5×5 arenas for smaller setups. Moreover, competitive PvP battles are highly scalable and can be played in arenas ranging from 16 to 400 square meters, allowing operators to adapt the experience to both compact VR clubs and large VR parks. This flexibility enables venues to mix and match content, rotate games regularly to maintain visitor interest, encourage repeat visits, and maximize revenue potential.

Partners benefit from guidance on arena layouts, hardware specifications, and operational best practices, minimizing common risks while allowing focus on delivering memorable VR experiences.

For existing VR club owners, Anvio also offers flexible licensing for exclusive VR games, enabling clubs to enhance their offerings without rebranding or launching a new location. Licensed partners receive the same technical support, access to the booking and statistics platform, and marketing resources, ensuring a seamless integration of Anvio’s high-quality multiplayer experiences.

Whether starting a VR business from scratch or upgrading an existing location, Anvio provides the tools and support needed to succeed in the fast-growing VR entertainment market.

With Anvio, you can focus on delivering unforgettable experiences to your visitors while leveraging a proven system designed to support growth, optimize operations, and ensure long-term success in the virtual reality entertainment business, whether it’s a VR club or a VR park.