VR: The Future is Now!

I just experienced the Star Wars virtual reality experience at The Void, and it was absolutely mind-blowing.

The Void is a relatively new company that treats their customers to an immersive VR environment that allows participants to play a role within an extremely detailed adventure as if they really existed in that world, time, or place. Nothing that I can say or write will give it the credit it's due. However, I'll do my best to provide you with the faintest idea of what's in store!

If you check out their website ( https://www.thevoid.com/ ), you'll notice that Star Wars is the big scenario they're pushing right now. But if you scroll down just a tad, you'll see that they also have a Ghostbusters adventure which looks pretty cool!

Currently, they appear to have around 9 locations scattered throughout the world. I feel confident that once the word spreads at how awesome it is, they should only be opening more and more.

I visited the one in California at Downtown Disney. Neither the outside or lobby fully prepares people for what's going to happen next.

Upon signing some digital waivers and obtaining some wrist bands, we were treated to an introduction to our mission, which included some cool orientation clips and minor virtual uniform customizations (so that players can distinguish one another inside the VR world).

From there, we were outfitted into our VR gear. This included some very high tech helmets and vests. The vests are designed to provide physical feedback to the user in the form of vibrations (so you know when you're getting shot!). The helmets are adjusted to give you the clearest resolution possible. Mic and audio functions are also included within the helmet, giving you the ability to communicate with your team and experience the chatter, sounds, and special effects in stereo!

Once you look like a special ops soldier from the future, you are guided to the entrance to what is basically a maze of rooms. The rooms, hallways, and props are all arranged to perfectly mimic the items you interact with in your adventure. When you reach out to push a button or grab a weapon in the virtual world, your hands are actually grabbing physical objects that are perfectly synced with the virtual experience.

As if that wasn't enough, floors and walls would vibrate, temperature would go higher or lower. Essentially, you were plugged into the Matrix (without the need to cram metal spikes into the back of your neck)!

At first, it is absolutely disorienting to find yourself in a completely different world and have your physical senses support the illusion. Then it's terrifying (particularly if it feels very much like you might trip and fall into hot lava). And then it becomes the most thrilling thing you've ever experienced (as you start firing your blaster at stormtroopers while coordinating with team mates to access the next room).

I'm sure we all looked very foolish in real life. But honestly, you're not even thinking about that. You're focused on the mission. You're being sneaky. You're fighting for your life. You're solving unique challenges. And several times, you're simply staring in awe at the amazing spectacle that's unfolding before your eyes.

As Virtual Reality becomes more and more popular in media like TV and movies, it's easy to start thinking that this is a future technology. There's a new TV show called Reverie coming out that explores rescuing people from Matrix-like mini virtual-worlds.

And of course there's the big blockbuster hit, Ready Player One. Based on a book by Ernest Cline, I've been waiting for this movie to come out for awhile. I read the book when it was first released, and if the movie can capture even the slightest fraction of what the book envisioned, it's going to be amazing!

These shows explore the potential behind virtual reality and how someday the lines between reality and fantasy will become blurred. But you know what? You don't have to wait for "the future". It's happening right now. At the Void.

I'm not a spokesperson or an influencer for the company. I don't get paid to say that. I'm literally just a recent customer who became a huge fan. It's amazing.

If you have an extra 30 bucks to splurge, you should go check it out. You won't regret it.

Let me know about your virtual reality experiences and if you've seen anything similar out there. If you'd like to see more reviews like this one, let me know that too!

Thanks!