Every VR arena owner wants steady cash flow, but not everyone knows where to look for it. We've been in your shoes, tested dozens of approaches, and kept only what works.
Today, we're breaking down how we make money on our own VR arenas — and how our partners do it too.
Only battle-tested mechanics that actually bring in revenue.
Today, we're breaking down how we make money on our own VR arenas — and how our partners do it too.
Only battle-tested mechanics that actually bring in revenue.
1. The Best Free-Roam VR Games: Our Ultimate Advantage
People come to BATTLE START arenas for one thing: emotions. Some are after a team mission, others want a solo adventure. We provide both.
Our VR franchise gives partners access to a content library that simply doesn't exist anywhere else. We've got the largest number of free-roam VR games overall, plus the widest genre variety — something that appeals to audiences of all ages.
2. Parties & Events: Around Half of Your Revenue
Every BATTLE START VR arena is a ready-made venue for any kind of event. And our partners' numbers back this up: on average, events bring in 40–60% of total revenue.
The more lounge areas you have, the more events you can run simultaneously.
Here's what people most often organize at a VR arena:
✔️ Birthdays (kids, adults — full-service packages)
✔️ Corporate parties and team-building sessions
✔️ Graduation parties — from kindergarten to high school
✔️ Themed parties
What does this mean for you? High average check thanks to large groups, upfront package payments, steady year-round demand, and an easy upsell for additional services.
To run events at your arena, you'll need agreements with the following vendors (unless your staff are trained to handle these tasks themselves):
✔️ Animators
✔️ Photographers / videographers
✔️ Decorators
✔️ Catering (pastry chefs / pizzerias)
✔️ Show hosts, workshop instructors, and DJs
The more lounge areas you have, the more events you can run simultaneously.
Here's what people most often organize at a VR arena:
✔️ Birthdays (kids, adults — full-service packages)
✔️ Corporate parties and team-building sessions
✔️ Graduation parties — from kindergarten to high school
✔️ Themed parties
What does this mean for you? High average check thanks to large groups, upfront package payments, steady year-round demand, and an easy upsell for additional services.
To run events at your arena, you'll need agreements with the following vendors (unless your staff are trained to handle these tasks themselves):
✔️ Animators
✔️ Photographers / videographers
✔️ Decorators
✔️ Catering (pastry chefs / pizzerias)
✔️ Show hosts, workshop instructors, and DJs
3. Packages That Bring in More Revenue Than Single Sessions
This one ties directly into the previous point — but it covers a few extra important angles.
Guests can simply pay for a game session. Or they can choose a package that includes additional activities — non-VR games, workshops, neon disco, karaoke. Basically anything the arena owner can dream up.
Our top-performing partners also sell VIP packages. This lets guests reserve the entire club space just for themselves.
Pricing is entirely up to each arena owner. That said, we recommend offering no more than 5 packages to choose from — and keeping the same price on weekdays and weekends. In our experience, this kind of simplicity boosts conversion and ultimately brings in more revenue.
Guests can simply pay for a game session. Or they can choose a package that includes additional activities — non-VR games, workshops, neon disco, karaoke. Basically anything the arena owner can dream up.
Our top-performing partners also sell VIP packages. This lets guests reserve the entire club space just for themselves.
Pricing is entirely up to each arena owner. That said, we recommend offering no more than 5 packages to choose from — and keeping the same price on weekdays and weekends. In our experience, this kind of simplicity boosts conversion and ultimately brings in more revenue.
4. The Secret Weapon of a Profitable VR Arena: Old-School Attractions
VR games are still a fundamentally new form of entertainment — and many people don't know what to expect. That's exactly why good old-fashioned attractions can act as a magnet for casual passersby.
If your VR club has room for dynamic rides, car or motorcycle simulators, or interactive zones — train your staff to upsell the VR experience to classic entertainment lovers.
If your VR club has room for dynamic rides, car or motorcycle simulators, or interactive zones — train your staff to upsell the VR experience to classic entertainment lovers.
5. Gift Certificates You Can Sell Before Your VR Club Even Opens
Gift certificates have become a firm part of our everyday culture.
We recommend starting to sell them even before your club opens. That way, you'll attract not only hardcore VR fans, but also people who might never have tried it on their own.
Formats:
✔️ Plastic cards — a physical gift they can hold
✔️ Digital certificates — instant online purchase
We recommend starting to sell them even before your club opens. That way, you'll attract not only hardcore VR fans, but also people who might never have tried it on their own.
Formats:
✔️ Plastic cards — a physical gift they can hold
✔️ Digital certificates — instant online purchase
6. Drinks & Snacks: Boost Your Revenue With Almost Zero Effort
Coffee, water, food in convenient packaging. A simple vending machine and a coffee maker will cover a huge chunk of your guests' needs.
BATTLE START free-roam VR games are an active experience — many guests will want a drink afterward, and some will even work up an appetite. Your customers will appreciate being able to grab everything they need without leaving the arena.
When it comes to pricing, the same rule applies as with packages: simpler works better. Set one flat price for all drinks, and the same for snacks — so guests don't spend too long deciding.
For clients, these are added conveniences. For you — clear margins and a higher average check, with minimal investment.
BATTLE START free-roam VR games are an active experience — many guests will want a drink afterward, and some will even work up an appetite. Your customers will appreciate being able to grab everything they need without leaving the arena.
When it comes to pricing, the same rule applies as with packages: simpler works better. Set one flat price for all drinks, and the same for snacks — so guests don't spend too long deciding.
For clients, these are added conveniences. For you — clear margins and a higher average check, with minimal investment.
7. Branded Merch That Pays Off Instantly
T-shirts, hoodies, caps, bracelets, popsockets, keychains — all with your arena's logo. These bring in direct profit and work as free advertising for your club.
Special mention: branded socks.
We suggest starting with these — because people buy them not just for the design or their love of VR.
Game sessions at our arenas are always played barefoot, and we don't offer indoor footwear. Give your guests the chance to enjoy their time in VR without worrying about cleanliness or the state of their own socks. Trust us — they'll thank you. For you, the investment is minimal, and the return — including the feel-good factor — is huge.
As for the other merch we mentioned earlier, we suggest looking beyond just the logo — consider featuring some of the bright, charismatic characters from the BATTLE START universe.
Special mention: branded socks.
We suggest starting with these — because people buy them not just for the design or their love of VR.
Game sessions at our arenas are always played barefoot, and we don't offer indoor footwear. Give your guests the chance to enjoy their time in VR without worrying about cleanliness or the state of their own socks. Trust us — they'll thank you. For you, the investment is minimal, and the return — including the feel-good factor — is huge.
As for the other merch we mentioned earlier, we suggest looking beyond just the logo — consider featuring some of the bright, charismatic characters from the BATTLE START universe.
Want more intel and numbers? Reach out and request a call with our manager. We'll walk you through what you could earn at your specific location — and answer any questions you've got.
