(Updated at 10:25 a.m.) In case the apocalyptic vision of HBO’s “The Last of Us” adaptation wasn’t immersive enough, you’ll soon be able to physically battle hordes of zombies at Boro.
The Tysons neighborhood will be home to a new virtual reality gaming location from San Francisco-based startup Sandbox VR, which says it uses full-body motion capture technology to achieve a level of realism and immersion inspired by holodecks in “Star Trek.”
The deal was first reported by the Washington Business Journal.
According to a press release, Sandbox has leased a 7,500 square foot space at 1656 Silver Hill Drive that will feature four private game rooms, or holodecks, each capable of hosting up to six players. The center is expected to open this summer.
Located across from the ShowPlace ICON Theatre, the new tenant is part of a drive to provide more “experiential” amenities for residents and workers, according to The Meridian Group, the developer behind The Boro.
“At The Boro, we strive to create an interactive and socially engaged neighborhood cultivated by experiential retailers like Sandbox VR,” said Charlie Schwieger, vice president of Meridian Asset Management. “With a concept that fosters community and team spirit through technological innovation, Sandbox VR is a unique and exciting addition to the Boro’s growing portfolio of eclectic restaurants, shops and attractions.”
Launched in 2019, Sandbox has more than 30 locations worldwide and counts celebrities Will Smith, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake and Kevin Durant among its investors, according to its website. The Tysons location will be the first in Virginia, although centers in Virginia Beach and Woodbridge are also in the works.
The company says its in-house studio has developed six different “experiences”, including a pirate adventure, a haunted house game, and the latest addition involving zombies.
The Boro shared more about how holodecks work in their press release:
Boro’s Sandbox VR location will feature 4 private rooms for virtual reality gaming called “holodecks”, where groups of up to six players will explore virtual worlds and rely on each other for success in games designed to be social experiences. With their friends, family or colleagues, players are equipped with a VR headset, a haptic vest, a backpack and motion sensors on the wrists and ankles. This technology allows players to see and physically interact with each other while feeling like they’re in the middle of an action movie, with the heightened emotions that come from not only watching a film, but also of becoming the stars of the action.
David Friedman, vice president of global real estate at Sandbox, said the company was attracted to Tysons because of its proximity to DC and its status as “one of the largest office and retail areas from the country”.
Just last month, the Boro hosted the highly anticipated Circa and Él Bebe restaurants. The Caliburger burger joint is set to open at 8301 Greensboro Drive in the first quarter of this year.
Construction of a second phase of The Boro on the north side of Westpark Drive is on track to reach substantial completion in 2025.
Work began last April on The Trillium, a 16-story seniors’ residence, and Fairfax County approved plans for more residential buildings a month later. In total, the 9.37-acre expansion will add 160,000 square feet of retail and 610,000 square feet of housing.
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