Virtual reality (VR) has become increasingly popular these days. Whether it be in schools or at home, the reason it’s so popular is that there’s so much that can be done with it. VR enthusiasts can create literal worlds that are expansive and realistic, down to the most intricate of details. Some aspects of these worlds can seem so real that they can trick a brain into thinking it’s a tangible thing being looked at.
VR Dog aims to bring these experiences to enthusiasts of all ages. Located at 75 Route 4 East in River Edge, New Jersey they offer a slew of games in virtual reality. Some theme examples include space exploration, pirates and zombie survival.
“We’ve been open for almost two years now and have done about 200 parties,” Glen Holland, VR Dog’s founder, shared with the Jewish Link. “People, and kids especially, have really taken to it. It’s a great activity for birthdays or bar/bat mitzvahs, and I think what keeps it all fresh is the number of themed games that we offer that each time you visit there’s something else you can do. When kids take off the headset, the first thing you hear them say is ‘that was awesome!’”
VR Dog was originally conceived as a game night activity for adults but was found to be popular with kids. They have added a number of experiences and games since opening, and continue to add even more every few months.
“We have two rooms at VR Dog,” Holland continued. “One is a playroom that’s like an arcade. Then there’s the free-roam room, which has an open space that can be freely explored. We use it a lot for games that feature an escape room aspect. A lot of them are multiplayer, so guests have to work together to achieve the game’s objectives.”
Holland worked in tech for 20 years prior to opening VR Dog. During a vacation with his family, they played a free-roaming game at a VR store and Holland was fascinated by the technology.
“I never forgot that first game I played,” Holland continued. “It was so much fun that when my family and I came home I kept thinking about it. There’s nothing like it in the Bergen County area, and after some research I decided to make my own. I rented a space and began working with a team to create the games.”
From there began a series of tests as the games were worked on and perfected. Holland said he occasionally had to default to his son for some of the more difficult ones. “Some of them are really tough,” said Holland. “I would have the headset on for hours in these crazy worlds, and it’s like an overload of feelings and emotions. You look around and the things you’re seeing look so realistic, like you truly could reach out and touch them. It’s not something I could really describe unless you’ve tried it for yourself.”
In addition to the games geared toward kids, there are also options for adults. Holland reported that some of the games have high levels of intensity, such as the zombie survival ones. “We’re always hearing from customers how realistic it all is,” added Holland. “That’s the best part about it all. When you put on the headset, you can really picture yourself in these scenes and experiences. The fact that so many people have lasting impressions speaks for itself, and we hope you’ll stop by and give the games a try yourself. I guarantee it will be an experience you won’t easily forget.”
VR Dog accepts both reservations and walk-ins. To learn more or book an experience, visit their website, vrdog.com or follow them on Instagram @vrdognj.
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.
