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VRcade in Tallahassee blurs the line between play and STEM innovation, offering a unique fusion that captivates visitors of all ages. At VRcade, located in the heart of Tallahassee, guests are immersed in a world where virtual reality transcends traditional entertainment boundaries, providing active and engaging gaming experiences like never before.
Nicholas Suttell isn’t your typical tech founder. A Florida State University grad with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering earned in 2017, he’s a STEM entrepreneur who lives at the intersection of engineering passion and gaming obsession. His academic background grounded him in the nuts and bolts of motion mechanics—skills that would become the blueprint for something much bigger than a lab project.
Suttell’s motivation? To build motion-based rides that blend cutting-edge technology with genuine fun. Not just another screen-bound game, but immersive experiences where your body becomes part of the controller. He saw virtual reality as more than entertainment: it could be a platform for active engagement and learning.
This vision birthed New World Rides VRcade, a space where engineering innovation meets physical play. It’s not about sitting still; it’s about moving, dodging, interacting—bringing virtual worlds to life through real-world motion.
Suttell’s unique mix of technical expertise and playful creativity drives VRcade’s mission to transform Tallahassee’s gaming landscape into something truly experiential.
In 2020, Nicholas Suttell introduced the innovative rotating motion platform RotoLoco at Fun Station on Sharer Road. This groundbreaking technology allowed players to experience a fully immersive gaming environment like never before. Accompanying this platform was the flagship game Shuttle 39, an exhilarating mission where players navigated through asteroids to collect alien artifacts.
As VRcade evolved, Suttell transitioned from traditional motion simulators to expansive free-roam arena games. These new experiences required physical interaction, engaging players in activities that involved walking, throwing, and dodging within the virtual world. The shift towards active gameplay not only enhanced the entertainment value but also promoted social interaction among participants.
The evolution of VRcade from RotoLoco to the current free-roam arena signifies a transformative journey towards providing dynamic and engaging virtual reality experiences that blur the lines between gaming and reality.
Located at the entrance of the Railroad Square Art District, VRcade in Tallahassee combines entertainment with STEM innovation. This lively area, known for its artistic atmosphere and local shops, is the ideal setting for a bustling virtual reality center that also serves as a gathering spot for the community.
The tornadoes in 2024 presented a significant challenge, shaking up the neighborhood and affecting foot traffic. Although VRcade’s location avoided major damage, there were misunderstandings about closures that led to fewer visitors. In response, Suttell’s team made smart decisions by investing in improvements that turned a difficult situation into a chance for growth.
Some of the key upgrades made include:
These thoughtful improvements reinforce VRcade’s role not just as a gaming venue but as a dynamic part of Tallahassee’s arts and innovation ecosystem.
New World Rides VRcade isn’t just a playground for gamers—it’s a hands-on STEM classroom wrapped in VR headsets and motion-based games. The collaboration with the Tallahassee Young Engineers Summer Camp brings this to life every Friday, where kids get to physically engage with virtual challenges that teach science, technology, engineering, and math principles without feeling like homework.
Khari Henry, president of the local nonprofit Scientiae and co-founder of the camp, sums it up well:
“There’s a lot of synergy between their ambitions and ours. It adds a dimension of exploration and gives the kids a better understanding of where this kind of technology can take them.”
The VRcade experience introduces children to concepts such as spatial reasoning, physics of motion, and problem-solving through immersive gameplay. Activities like dodging virtual obstacles or aiming in archery simulations translate into intuitive learning moments that stick longer than traditional methods.
Suttell’s vision extends beyond pure entertainment—he’s building a bridge between cutting-edge engineering and accessible education. By partnering with Khari Henry’s nonprofit efforts, VRcade amplifies technology awareness in Tallahassee’s youth, sparking curiosity and inspiring potential future engineers right inside an arcade setting.
This innovative approach to learning is reminiscent of initiatives like the Smart Museum in Nolanville, where STEM education seamlessly integrates with virtual reality. Similarly, Srirangam’s STEM Park showcases how immersive play can revolutionize the way we learn about science and technology. This blend of fun and function creates fertile ground for the next generation of STEM pioneers.
Accessibility features in VRcade set a high bar for inclusivity. Nicholas Suttell and team have engineered experiences that accommodate guests with physical disabilities. The design prioritizes mobility-friendly spaces and adaptable controls so everyone can dive into the action without barriers.
Pricing starts at an approachable $8 for 12–15 minute sessions, making VRcade accessible not just physically but financially. This model encourages first-timers and repeat visitors alike to experience active virtual reality without breaking the bank.
The vibe inside VRcade is anything but static. Games demand physical movement—walking, throwing, dodging—which sparks social interaction in a way traditional arcades rarely achieve. It’s not just gaming; it’s active play that builds community.
Regular events further cement VRcade’s role as a local hub:
These gatherings foster connections among players of all ages and backgrounds while supporting Tallahassee’s growing tech ecosystem.
Partnerships with nonprofits and educational groups hint at expansion plans that could take this model beyond Railroad Square. Suttell envisions franchising VRcade as a place families can gather—where technology isn’t isolating but a bridge for people to connect through shared physical experiences.
VRcade in Tallahassee is more than just a place to play games. It combines fun with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning, making a positive impact on the community. Here’s how:
Nicholas Suttell believes that virtual reality (VR) has the potential to be more than just a form of entertainment. He sees it as a tool for growth, connection, and developing skills that are important for the future. In Tallahassee’s thriving tech scene, VR could play a significant role in shaping the industry.
What do you think about VR being used as a way to bring communities together and enhance education?
