The Broken Controller, located in Campus Pointe near Fresno State, is expanding its entertainment offerings with the launch of a mobile virtual reality (VR) arena. The venue already features VR and augmented reality (AR) experiences, motion racing simulators, and classic arcade games.
Co-owner Allison Grays said the new mobile VR arena will be available for off-site events such as birthdays, school celebrations, and company parties. “We have something for everybody,” Grays said.
The venue’s VR games allow players to physically interact within the game environment. “You’re actually stepping into the game and interacting with it with your full body,” Grays said. “For instance, we have our zombie game where you’re picking up different guns and shooting at the zombies that are getting right in your face. So, it’s a little more intense than just a regular video game.”
AR offerings at The Broken Controller include an interactive rock wall that uses projected digital elements to create obstacle courses and games. “It is the video coming into the real world instead of you going into the video game,” Grays said.
The location also offers immersive escape rooms that use VR technology to enhance storytelling and puzzles. “Our newest one is an alien-themed one where you get abducted and you have to find your way back to Earth,” Grays said. “We can do a lot more than a classic escape room that’s physical brick-and-mortar because we can actually put you underwater, and you have to fight off sharks while you’re trying to do puzzles.”
Classic arcade fans can access multicades featuring games like Pac-Man, Galaga, Street Fighter, and Mortal Kombat.
Private rentals are available for groups seeking unlimited gameplay sessions on-site. For those hosting events elsewhere, most of the same games offered in-store are accessible through the mobile VR arena. “You’ll still be able to have full motion. You’re not stuck in one place,” Grays said. “We’re offering most of the same games we have in store.”
Additional information about The Broken Controller is available at brokencontrollervr.com or by calling (559) 326-7412.
For updates on local business developments and initiatives in Fresno County, residents can follow news from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
