VRstudios Launches ‘Terminator’ VR Experience at Dave & Buster’s (EXCLUSIVE)

Janko Roettgers

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Just in time for the launch of the new “Terminator: Dark Fate” movie, Dave & Buster’s is getting a “Terminator: Guardian of Fate” virtual reality experience, courtesy of VRstudios. The experience, which features the voice of Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor, is launching at 130 Dave & Buster’s locations across the U.S.

Just like previous VR experiences at Dave & Buster’s, “Terminator: Guardian of Fate” makes use of motion platforms and high-end HTC Vive headsets, giving it a ride-like feel. Once strapped in, up to four players get tasked with fighting off an attack of the Terminator.

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“Sarah Connor guides players every step of the way as they fight through a zombie-style shootout with the Terminator who will stop at nothing to attack the players’ vehicle while causing tons of destruction in its wake, and finally culminating in a showdown of epic proportions,” VRstudios explained in a press release.

The whole ride takes about 5 minutes, and costs from $5 to $7 per person, depending on the market. That’s far cheaper than some of the other location-based VR experiences out there, which is meant lower the barrier for Dave & Buster’s audiences to try VR. VRstudios also designed “Terminator: Guardian of Fate” to be replayable, and is set to release a second chapter with multiple endings soon.

“We have really created something very special with ‘Terminator: Guardian of Fate,'” said VRstudios vice president of creative development Chanel Summers. “This is an all-out adrenaline-fueled interactive experience that is a roller coaster of intensity.”

Dave & Buster’s launched its first VR ride in June of 2018; the new “Terminator” experience will be the fifth such title to launch at the chain. The company initially celebrated VR as a huge success, with executives declaring that “Jurassic World VR” was the biggest game launch in its corporate history.

In recent months, Dave & Buster’s has struggled a bit to continue that momentum, but CEO Brian Jenkins told investors during a September earnings call that the company had still high hopes for VR. “We still have great aspirations for that platform,” he said. “We’re excited about the launch of ‘Terminator’.”

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