A Myrtle Beach entertainment venue is redefining the traditional arcade experience by offering immersive virtual reality (VR) adventures suitable for all ages. Interactive Experience Unleashed (IEU), located at 7621 N. Kings Highway, is at the forefront of gaming innovation, utilizing cutting-edge technology to transport players into captivating virtual worlds.
Richard Thai, the manager at IEU, describes the venue as a unique gaming destination that integrates augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR) to create an unparalleled experience. “Our technology blends the real and virtual worlds, offering players an immersive environment that is both thrilling and interactive,” Thai explained.
Exploring the Realities: AR, VR, and MR
Augmented reality merges computer-generated images with the real-world environment, enhancing the player’s perception of reality. Virtual reality, on the other hand, creates an entirely artificial environment that is experienced through sensory stimuli, allowing players to influence the virtual world through their actions. Mixed reality combines elements of both AR and VR, enabling real-world and digital elements to interact seamlessly.
IEU’s Vex Play area is equipped with Pico 4 VR headsets, which Thai likens to the “Ferrari” of VR headsets. Players can select games and experience mixed reality within the play area, engaging with both the virtual and real-world elements.
“Four people can go in or we usually see one kid playing with two other kids they don’t know, but they all see each other playing [in the game],” Thai said.
Games and Experiences
IEU offers a variety of games that cater to different tastes and preferences. “Granny’s Alien Invasion” allows players to embody animated ‘grannies’ defending cakes from alien invaders using handheld vacuums. “Jump a Cheese” follows a similar objective, featuring astronaut mice protecting their cheese planet. “Buckshot Bonanza” immerses players in a western cowboy plot, complete with competitive shooting and ziplining adventures.
The Valo-Arena introduces AR technology reminiscent of Xbox Kinect or Wii Sports. Players step onto a tiled floor displayed on a large screen, using their feet to interact with the game. “Ground Fall” challenges players in a virtual ‘floor-is-lava’ scenario, while another game immerses them in a bank heist with ‘red-light, green-light’ mechanics.
“Because we are a time-based system, it depends on how you want to use your time in each area,” Thai said. “We always say the four-hour is more bang for your buck.”
Pricing and Additional Features
IEU offers flexible pricing options, with a four-hour admission recently reduced to $29.99 and a one-hour play session costing $18.99. In addition to high-tech video games, the venue features a children’s playground with ball pits, slides, and tunnels. A four-hour playground card is priced at $14.99 and includes grip socks required for play.
The Firebird Cafe provides a variety of snacks, including pizza, hot dogs, and popcorn, allowing players to recharge before diving back into their virtual adventures. For those looking to celebrate special occasions, IEU offers four party rooms and the ability to customize avatars with birthday hats in the games.
The Future of Gaming at IEU
IEU is not resting on its laurels. The venue features the world’s first MR and animatronics experience, “The Curse of Calypso,” where players embark on a guided journey to meet the infamous pirate Blackbeard and escape the Netherworld.
Looking ahead, IEU plans to expand its offerings by 2026, with annual membership deals, virtual reality golf, and additional party rooms on the horizon. This forward-thinking approach ensures that IEU remains at the cutting edge of gaming technology, continually providing innovative experiences for its visitors.
As the gaming industry evolves, venues like IEU demonstrate the potential of VR, AR, and MR technologies to transform entertainment. By offering a blend of reality-altering experiences, IEU is setting a new standard for what an arcade can be, inviting players of all ages to explore the limitless possibilities of the virtual world.
