Virtual Reality Experiences Are Coming to Utah Soon

Originally slated to open in July 2015, Evermore Park was supposed to be a theme park that brought visitors back to the Victorian Era. The would-be destination was set to occupy 45 acres in Pleasant Grove, Utah, and to focus more on experiences than rides. Unfortunately, because it's such a big undertaking, construction of Evermore Park has been put on hold indefinitely. 

The good news is that the company behind it has decided to take one aspect of the park, a virtual reality gaming experience, and make it a stand-alone attraction. This program, called THE VOID, will take advantage of new developments in virtual reality. Like something out of a science fiction movie, players will be able to move around in and interact with a virtual world. 

"Our technology allows us to create the illusion that the player is exploring miles of terrain or incredibly tall structures without ever leaving our game pod,” the website says. “The end result is a physical connection to the virtual world and a sense of exploration never before possible."

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THE VOID imagines worlds where players can cast spells, fight dragons, and board alien spaceships. (This does not seem to be in line with the Victorian Era theme, but regardless, sounds incredibly cool.) Think of it as a high-tech game of laser tag.

After players are equipped with gear, they'll enter a special gaming pod. Within the pod, participants, wearing haptic vests, will be able to "feel" the environment around them, including elevation changes, moisture, heat, and smells. Players will be able to pick things up and press buttons, and will be given the option to explore different environments, from a haunted house to a dinosaur safari.

You can get a feel for what the experience will be like by watching the video:

THE VOID has plans to open Virtual Entertainment Centers in big cities all over the world, starting with Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s still in production stages, but the lucky few who have gotten to try it out have written mostly positive reviews so far. You can follow the project's progress on the company's Facebook page.