Zero Latency reaches 100-venue milestone as immersive virtual reality market surges

September 18, 2024

Nigel Benton

Attractions / Entertainment / Technology /

Melbourne-founded virtual reality leader Zero Latency has announced that it has reached a significant milestone with operations in 100 venues around the world.

The company, founded in 2015 following a crowdfunding campaign by co-founders Tim Ruse, Scott Vandonkelaar and Kyel Smith, has grown to create what is said to be the largest true in-person free-roam VR network in the world.

The company has now hosted more than four million VR adventures in 26 countries since inception transporting players into fantastic worlds to fight zombies, outwit futuristic robots, solve challenging puzzles, and conquer new realms – all while moving and exploring freely.

Ruse, Zero Latency’s Chief Executive, explains “we are beyond thrilled to reach this incredible milestone.

“What started as an innovative idea a decade ago has evolved into an extraordinary global phenomenon. Players everywhere are discovering the unparalleled thrill and camaraderie that our games deliver. And this is just the beginning; we’re on a mission to keep pushing the envelope and bringing next-level experiences to even more players worldwide.”

Zero Latency venues allow up to eight players at a time to experience immersive VR experiences where friends battle each other in ‘epic adventures’ similar to a video game.

Virtual Warhammer 40,000 experience
The company is currently getting ready to release Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine VR – Defenders of Avarax, its most ambitious project to date. Players will be thrust into the most expansive and intricately detailed virtual reality universe yet created with this ground-breaking experience.

In addition, many more venues worldwide will be able to offer Zero Latency to their visitors as part of their entertainment offering with the launch of the firm’s new 6-player arena.

Zero Latency VR
With popular hits like Far Cry VR and Outbreak, Zero Latency is reaching new financial heights. The massive demand for these immersive experiences has fuelled an aggressive expansion plan. Zero Latency is fully committed to game development and rapid development, with many new locations scheduled to open in the upcoming 12 to 24 months and the much-awaited Space Marine VR roll-out.

The company opened its first venue in Melbourne in August 2015, initially with six-week-long waiting lists by players eager to try out the innovative experience that research shows is overtaking traditional forms of entertainment such as bowling and arcade games.

In 2021, Zero Latency partnered with French video game publisher Ubisoft to create Far Cry VR: Dive Into Insanity, the first-ever AAA free-roam VR experience. A game that is classified as AAA signifies high-budget and high-profile games that are produced by major publishers.

Image credit: Eugene Hyland.

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.