Written by ChatGPT

The first reference to the term “location-based entertainment” (LBE) is challenging to pinpoint precisely, as it likely emerged gradually over time as a way to describe a growing trend in entertainment experiences that took place outside the home. However, some of the earliest documented uses of the term date back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, when various companies started to develop and market location-based entertainment concepts.

For example, a 1999 article in the Los Angeles Times used the term “location-based entertainment” to describe a new attraction called “Virtual World”, which combined physical sets with virtual reality technology to create an immersive experience for visitors.

Another early use of the term can be found in a 2001 report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, which discussed the emerging market for “location-based entertainment and gaming” and predicted that it would become a significant segment of the overall entertainment industry.

Since then, “location-based entertainment” has become increasingly common to describe a wide range of experiences in physical locations, such as theme parks, arcades, and immersive theater productions, incorporating technology and interactive elements to engage visitors.