An Atlanta startup has launched a metaverse upgrade.
The product launch come as many technology and entertainment companies are capitalizing on the prospect of virtual spaces becoming the primary way people will work, play, shop and socialize.
Exploring Digital, created by founders of the entertainment company Exploring Inc. David Walens and Matt Kelly, have created the "Megaverse," which allows for virtual-reality experience integrated with real-world movements.
People can use VR headsets and hand controls to become immersed in a VR world where they can walk, jump and move objects interacting with up to six others within a 680 square-foot space. The megaverse also incorporates sensory elements to the VR experience including wind and vibration which is a first-of-its kind for VR, according to the company.
The first Megaverse theater debuted at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Roswell. The company expects to expand the concept through its partnership with Sky Zone, which has approximately 100 locations nationwide.
The theater provides four experiences: a competitive shooting range, a haunted house and multi-story escape room, a futuristic floating city with killer drones, and a haunted galleon with intricate puzzles.
The company is targeting the expansion by using family entertainment centers, such as bowling alleys and movie theaters.
More features and advancements are anticipated for the Megaverse, including the addition of heat and smell to the sensory elements and eliminating the need for hand controls.
The Megaverse can also be used for more than entertainment. Exploring Digital has also partnered with Emory Healthcare to provide VR and augmented reality training for doctors and nurses.
The product launch comes as Mark Zuckerberg’s Metaverse has gained recent traction. The global market for the metaverse, which was estimated at $107.1 billion in 2020, is projected to reach $758.6 billion by 2026, according to a February report from ReportLinker. Multiple Atlanta companies, including the Braves baseball team, are planning investments into the virtual world. It also provides an opportunity to be enhanced by being incorporated with the Megaverse.
“We’re going to define what the metaverse is all about,” said Walens. “It's going to change VR because of having a real connection in VR and taking it to a deeper level making it immersive. That is where we believe the market is going.”
The VR theater is the first product out of Exploring Digital, which was incorporated in July 2021.
Exploring Inc. has served the events industry for over two decades. The company has provided graphics and virtual experiences for exhibits and events such as the Vincent Van Gogh exhibition, Harry Potter World, the Georgia Aquarium and Super Bowl LIII.
Earlier this year, the company acquired Mobile, Alabama-based Third Roam Creations to create Exploring Digital to capitalize on digital opportunities such as virtual reality, gaming, training, non-fungible-tokens and the metaverse.
Exploring Digital currently has four Atlanta-based employees and 10 Mobile-based employees. The company expects to “exponentially” grow its team by the end of the year but did not share exact numbers.
The company raised a seed round of $500,000 and a second round of $2 million. It declined to disclose the investors. The funds will primarily be used for content development in addition to sales and marketing.
