IMAX is Shutting Down Their VR Company
Looks like IMAX’s attempt to blow up VR entertainment has blown up! Just not in the way they were hoping. IMAX is shutting down their VR company and the three remaining VR centers will be closing.
A company spokesperson offered the following statement:
“With the launch of the IMAX VR centre pilot program our intention was to test a variety of different concepts and locations to determine which approaches work well. After a trial period with VR centres in multiplexes, we have decided to conclude the IMAX VR centre pilot program and close the remaining three locations in Q1 2019.”
VR technology is still in its infancy and people and companies are still trying to figure out how to utilize it and capitalize on it. IMAX put a good amount of effort and money into seeing if VR could be the next big form of entertainment, and it didn’t work.
Maybe the world just isn’t ready for VR yet. Maybe the tech just isn’t there yet. I have a VR headset for my PS4 and it’s fun to play, but I still prefer playing video games and watching movies the old fashioned way.
I will say, the one VR experience that I’ve enjoyed the most is what The VOID is currently doing. They are doing a great job and the experience is super fun and entertaining!
The report explains that the consumer reaction to the IMAX VR centers were “extremely positive” but “the numbers just weren’t there” to make it worth their while.
Did any of you go and try out one of these IMAX VR centers? If so, what was your experience like?
Source: Variety