Before I get any further, I need to qualify this product because, despite its name, it is not currently an esports product based on my definition of esports. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve recognition or your consideration.

Phenomena was the first to package the VIVE Focus 3 into a compact, turnkey, free-roam VR arena. I believe their use of the term esports is aspirational, and they may develop the features necessary to support that name. I hope they do because the intersection of esports and VR makes sense for FECs.

Phenomena’s VR Arena is well-designed for operators. It’s easy to set up and can be run with one attendant. Based on the VIVE Focus 3, it’s built on a reliable tech stack. It is currently available with three games.

The game most locations run is called Versus. They describe it as VR laser tag. It’s a player-vs-player free-for-all where people walk around the space, hiding behind virtual walls and shooting each other. Each player has two controllers, one for the gun and one is a small shield. It’s a very simple game and easy to learn.

Phenomena also offer a game called Enter the Duat which is a co-op archery adventure set in Ancient Egypt. And they just released a new game called Space Dance Harmony. It’s a multiplayer music rhythm game in the spirit of Microsoft’s Let’s Dance on XBOX, where players mimic the moves of a virtual dance instructor. The success of music games depends greatly on the available catalog, and I don’t have any info on that yet.

The company reports they will also be previewing their new player app that gives operators rankings, leaderboards, and streaming capabilities. Phenomena, like all the players building esports games, is working to help drive repeat traffic back into FECs.

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