China is experiencing a remarkable surge in its virtual reality (VR) sector, driven largely by innovations in location-based entertainment (LBE). This growth is largely attributed to a simple yet profound advancement: enabling users to walk within virtual environments. This shift from traditional seated VR experiences to immersive walking simulations is redefining how audiences engage with digital worlds.
Last year marked a significant milestone in the development of LBE in China, with nearly 20 new VR experience venues opening in Shanghai alone during the May Day holiday. These venues invite visitors to explore a variety of simulated worlds, from ancient civilizations to the origins of life on Earth. The momentum continues, with three new experiences launching in Nanjing recently, indicating a robust expansion in this entertainment sector.
However, not all LBE projects deliver the same level of immersion. Some productions have faced criticism for breaking the sense of flow and engagement that is crucial for an effective VR experience. For instance, while “Tonight with the Impressionists: Paris 1874” allowed for continuous exploration, other less polished projects have been noted for their abrupt transitions, which can detract from the overall experience. Such shortcomings could dampen public interest in what is rapidly becoming a significant industry in China.
Walking: The Key to Immersion
The essence of LBE lies in its ability to let users walk freely in virtual environments, a feature that dramatically enhances the believability of these digital worlds. Unlike traditional VR, which often confines users to seated experiences, LBE allows for real-time spatial exploration. This advancement means that as users move their bodies, the VR environment reacts accordingly, creating a sense of presence that can make virtual spaces feel incredibly real.
Technological innovations have also made VR experiences more accessible. Early setups required cumbersome headsets, often weighing upwards of several kilograms, which limited usability and posed physical challenges for users. Recent developments have led to lighter headsets, some weighing as little as 200 grams, and wireless technology that allows for greater freedom of movement. For example, the 2025 Chinese production of “The Lost Pharaoh” incorporated these advancements, allowing users to engage without the burden of heavy equipment.
Global Influence and Local Development
Internationally, projects like “Horizon of Khufu: Journey in Ancient Egypt” have set a high standard for immersive experiences. This attraction, which debuted in Paris, transports users inside a life-sized recreation of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, providing a rich, 45-minute journey that is difficult to replicate in real life. In China, many LBE developers are capitalizing on the country’s rich historical narrative, offering experiences set in ancient cities such as Xianyang and Chang’an, where users can interact with historical figures and explore the vibrant life of past eras.
several international projects focusing on art and cultural heritage, including “The Lost Pharaoh” and “Paris 1874,” have seen substantial financial success in China, contributing significantly to their overall earnings. This trend underscores the potential for LBE to not only captivate local audiences but also to position China as a pivotal player in the global VR market.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the advancements, some LBE projects have been criticized for not fully utilizing the potential of movement. In some cases, users are restricted to small, predefined areas or face abrupt scene transitions that break immersion. This oversight can significantly weaken the user experience, as the enjoyment derived from exploration is a key aspect of LBE.
For instance, in a particular experience, users were instructed to move from one point to another but were met with a black screen transition that eliminated the opportunity to walk freely. Such design choices can be detrimental to the overall enjoyment and engagement of users, as the experience is directly linked to the distance walked and areas explored.
The Future of Location-Based Entertainment
As LBE continues to evolve, the focus on user movement will remain critical. The ability to explore vast virtual landscapes without interruption can significantly enhance the immersive nature of these experiences. Developers are encouraged to innovate further, considering the integration of physical challenges like climbing and other activities that simulate real-world dynamics, enhancing the physical experience of users.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of LBE in China appears promising. As developers prioritize immersive experiences that allow for free movement, the journey towards even more engaging and lifelike virtual environments will likely accelerate. This could lead to a future where VR experiences are not only entertaining but also deeply enriching, blurring the lines between physical reality and virtual exploration.
As the industry expands, it will be essential to maintain a focus on quality and user engagement. The balance between technological advancements and user experience will determine the success of LBE in the coming years. Comment below to share your thoughts on the evolution of VR and what you hope to see in future experiences.
