The most expensive part of VR is hardware. VR arcades could focus on cutting edge hardware. The interested passerby would be wowed by the technology and VR gamers with rigs at home might flock there to test the newest hardware.

Unless the hardware for high end VR is lightyears ahead of what’s possible at home, VR arcades may be a flash in the pan. Their best bet is to establish communities through leagues and/or house developers in the off hours and use the arcade to “boots on the ground” market their game(s).

By time the VR arcade scene dies, the owners could have a piece of the VR eSports pie and/or a successful VR title with a growing number of dedicated players.

Who wants to get started?