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501 FUN Shows Virtual Archery, a Real-Bow Competitive Socializing Attraction, in London

A player draws a real bow at a projected Virtual Archery target screen. Photo: 501 FUN

501 FUN is launching Virtual Archery, a competitive socializing attraction, at IAAPA Expo Europe. The show runs at ExCeL London from 22 to 24 September 2026. 501 FUN is on booth #S4543.

Virtual Archery pairs a real bow with a projected screen, and motion detection registers each shot for automatic scoring.

501 FUN, based in Aylesford, Kent, makes interactive darts and mini golf systems for hospitality and leisure venues.

How Virtual Archery works

The hardware package is the bow, a projector and a large-format screen. Virtual Archery runs on 501 FUN’s console, an all-in-one computer with a Full HD touchscreen. The company said the same console powers all of its systems.

501 FUN said Virtual Archery needs no live arrows, no safety training and no range officer.

The game library includes High Noon, Killer, Pie in the Sky and Robin Hood. 501 FUN said it adds new titles to the library through the year.

Social Replay and access to the 501 Hub come with the system at no charge, according to 501 FUN. Social Replay captures each bullseye or near miss as a highlight reel guests can share. The 501 Hub is the company’s software for session management and performance analytics.

A trial at Ballerz Clubhouse

Before the market release, 501 FUN trialed Virtual Archery with an existing customer, Ballerz Clubhouse. Ballerz is an activity bar on Mill Lane in Crondall, Hampshire, near Farnham.

“It’s competitive, fast-paced, fun, engaging, and definitely something that for us at Ballerz has been a strong addition,” said Joseph Finn, owner of Ballerz Clubhouse. “I’d highly recommend it.”

501 FUN’s earlier competitive socializing attractions

501 FUN was founded in 2018. In May 2025, blooloop reported that 501 FUN’s systems were in use at more than 700 venues in over 40 countries. The customers blooloop named were Dave & Buster’s (US), Mitchells & Butlers (UK), Topgolf (Europe) and Funlab (Australia).

“Darts and mini golf have shown just how much global appetite there is for competitive socialising, and archery is about to have that same moment,” said Jonny Powell, chief executive of 501 FUN.

What this means for venue operators and attraction suppliers

For venue operators, 501 FUN said Virtual Archery needs no range officer or safety training. The company said Social Replay and the 501 Hub come at no charge. For attraction suppliers, archery joins 501 FUN’s darts and mini golf systems, which blooloop reported in use at more than 700 venues in May 2025.

FAQ

What is 501 FUN’s Virtual Archery? A competitive socializing attraction in which players draw a real bow at targets on a projected screen. Motion detection registers each shot, and the system scores it automatically.

Where is Virtual Archery launching? At IAAPA Expo Europe, at ExCeL London from 22 to 24 September 2026, on 501 FUN’s booth #S4543.

Which venue has trialed Virtual Archery? Ballerz Clubhouse, an activity bar in Crondall, Hampshire, near Farnham. The trial ran before the market release. Ballerz is an existing 501 FUN customer.

Which games come with Virtual Archery? The library includes High Noon, Killer, Pie in the Sky and Robin Hood, with more titles added through the year, according to 501 FUN.

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