Warp VR Entertainment Center is giving Moose Jaw residents a chance to leave the everyday behind, without leaving the city.
Wife-and-husband co-owners Heidi Tiller and Justin Johnson opened the family-operated entertainment facility after Johnson began researching the possibilities of commercial virtual reality.
“It was his idea, just doing research,” Tiller recalls. “We talked it out, looked at the opportunity as bringing something new and exciting to the community, and a place where everybody can come.”
Photo supplied by Warp VR.
Step inside the game
Warp VR specializes in free-roam virtual reality, allowing players to move through an approximately 400-square-foot arena without being tethered by cables. Groups enter the same virtual environment, where they can see and interact with one another while physically moving through the space.
The selection ranges from zombie shooters and escape rooms to family-friendly adventures. Players might battle skeleton pirates on the way to a showdown with a Kraken, slingshot blueberries in a Smurfs-themed game or try to escape the surreal world of Alice in Wonderland.
The technology helps make gaming an active experience rather than a sedentary one.
“You can break a sweat,” Tiller says. “It gets you moving, it gets your heart rate up, it’s active, it’s fun.”
Johnson points out that the centre uses commercial-grade Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise headsets, with adjustable lenses available to accommodate some players who wear glasses.
Photo supplied by Warp VR.
More ways to get moving
Virtual reality is only part of the experience. Warp VR also features Multiball, a large interactive wall system that combines physical activity with digital games.
The system can be used for games and sports-related activities including badminton, pickleball and target practice for hockey and soccer. Plus there are several arcade type games, space invaders, tic-tac-toe, soccer, baseball, making it another option for families looking to stay active indoors.
“It’s great for families, great for kids, and all ages and all abilities,” Tiller says.
Warp VR also hosts birthday parties, corporate gatherings, school excursions and other group events. As an independently owned business, Tiller says they can work with groups to arrange events outside regular operating hours when possible.
Photo supplied by Warp VR.
A family business built for the community
Since establishing Warp VR, Tiller and Johnson say they have been encouraged by the response from customers and are continuing to explore new experiences they can bring to Moose Jaw.
“We’re really happy just to be able to bring this to the community and provide the opportunity for families to come out, have fun and enjoy themselves,” Tiller says.
The centre is also planning an end-of-summer bash during the final weekend of August, featuring open play on the interactive wall with crafts & oversized games which will be great for kids. Two VR Team competitions with the top scoring team being crowned the inaugural winner and receiving a prize pack. We will have fun giveaways too.
Warp VR Entertainment Center is located at 57 High Street W., just off Main Street in downtown Moose Jaw and can be reached by calling (306) 972-9277. Advance booking is recommended and can be completed online at warpvrcenter.com.