Hero Zone
Hero Zone is a Belgium-based free-roam VR platform provider serving 500+ location-based entertainment venues (arcades, FECs, trampoline parks, events) across 50+ countries with turnkey hardware arenas, a unified game launcher, and a credit-based content model.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- Headquarters—
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Hero Zone does
Hero Zone, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Genk, Belgium, is a provider of free-roam virtual reality (VR) platforms purpose-built for location-based entertainment venues including arcades, family entertainment centers (FECs), trampoline parks, and event operators. The company's core technology synchronizes up to 8 players in shared, cable-free, treadmill-free virtual spaces with real-time avatar representation and voice communication, supported by a unified game launcher that consolidates multiple experiences into a single operational interface. The product portfolio spans a software-only platform license, three turnkey hardware tiers (Hero Zone Go for portable/event use, Arena Flex for compact permanent installations, Arena Max as the premium flagship), and an integrated accessory stack standardizing on Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise headsets with optional bHaptics and StrikerVR integrations.
Hero Zone operates a multi-stream revenue model combining hardware sales (turnkey arena packages), usage-based credits (€1 per player per game session, with volume discounts), annual software subscriptions bundled into the first year of hardware purchases, and a platform-only software license starting at $6,000. The company has scaled to 500+ venues across 50+ countries with 4 million+ cumulative players and approximately 150,000 paid plays per month, supported by a direct sales motion, regional distribution partners (e.g., ASI for MENA), and active presence at IAAPA trade shows. Distribution is reinforced by a Discord operator community and content marketing including an ROI calculator and a GAME ONE eBook.
The company's growth strategy has been heavily acquisition-driven, with the asset purchase of SPREE Interactive in March 2023 adding the only free-roam VR platform designed for children under 10 and expanding the venue network past 500, and the announced acquisition of Phenomena's VR eSport Arena (closing end of 2025, integration in 2026) adding the Versus competitive laser-tag title and pushing the network to 550+ locations. Content expansion is anchored by a multi-year STUDIOCANAL/CANAL+ licensing deal yielding Terminator: Uprising across 450 locations in 46 countries, alongside a co-development partnership with Knucklehead Studios producing titles including Cook'd Up and Espionage Express.
Hero Zone firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hero Zone
- Legal name
- Hero Zone
- Website
- https://herozonevr.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Hero Zone is a Belgium-based free-roam VR platform provider serving 500+ location-based entertainment venues (arcades, FECs, trampoline parks, events) across 50+ countries with turnkey hardware arenas, a unified game launcher, and a credit-based content model.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hero Zone industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Location-Based VR Entertainment Platform
- NAICS
- Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131), Amusement Arcades (71312)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- VR & Immersive Esports/LBE Venues (VR Arenas, Sim Racing Pods) (MPAFALAE)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- VR/AR Gaming Platforms (BPAMAKAG)
Keywords
Hero Zone business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel
Revenue model
- Usage-based Credits: Operators purchase credits (1 credit per player per game) to run VR sessions. Volume discounts available for larger credit purchases. Onboarding and setup time not charged.
- Turnkey Hardware Solutions: Sale of complete VR arena packages including VR headsets (Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise), PC, network equipment, sound system, kiosk, barriers, flooring, and accessories. Multiple tiers from portable/mobile to premium fixed installations.
- Software Platform Subscription: Annual subscription providing access to game library, continuous updates, operator dashboard, and remote support. Included with hardware purchases for first year.
- Platform-Only Software License: Software-only option for operators who want to build their own arena using their own hardware. Lower upfront cost with ongoing credit-based usage.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Platform Only - Software Only |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Credit Packs - Pay as you play |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Arena Flex (Turnkey) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Arena Max (Premium Turnkey) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Hero Zone Go (Mobile) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels12 records
Hero Zone product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hero Zone provides a free-roam virtual reality platform for location-based entertainment venues (arcades, family entertainment centers, trampoline parks, and event operators). The offering combines a unified software platform (Hero Zone Platform) with a per-player credit-based game library, sold alongside three turnkey hardware bundles (Hero Zone Go portable, Arena Flex compact, Arena Max premium) and a software-only option. Operators deploy multiplayer VR experiences for 4-8 players without cables, treadmills, or joysticks, with remote fleet management and continuous content updates.
Product overview
Hero Zone is a free-roam virtual reality platform purpose-built for location-based entertainment (LBE) venues such as arcades, family entertainment centers (FECs), trampoline parks, and event operators. The portfolio consists of a core software platform (Hero Zone Platform) that powers all arena configurations, sold alongside three turnkey hardware-and-software bundles: Hero Zone Go (a portable pop-up/event solution), Arena Flex (a compact turnkey package for permanent venues), and Arena Max (the premium flagship arena). Operators can also purchase hardware-only or subscribe to the game library via a per-player credit model. The platform supports 2–8+ players per session across modular arena sizes and includes a growing catalogue of proprietary and third-party VR games including Terminator: Uprising, Dead Ahead, Wizard Academy, Versus, Cook'd Up, and Espionage Express.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Hero Zone Platform: All-in-one software platform powering free-roam VR gaming and operations for location-based entertainment venues.
- Hero Zone Go
- Arena Flex
- Arena Max
Products and services
- Hero Zone Platform The core software platform powering Hero Zone's free-roam VR ecosystem - a complete gaming and operations system enabling location-based entertainment venues to deploy, manage, and monetize free-roam VR sessions. Operates on a per-player credit model (1 credit per player per game) and supports the full game library.
- Hero Zone Go A fully portable free-roam VR arena built for events, brand activations, pop-ups, shopping malls, and temporary installations. Includes modular barrier system, mobile hardware unit with wheeled storage, Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise headset, gaming laptop, and network infrastructure. Designed for 15-minute deployment with no permanent installation required.
- Arena Flex A compact, cost-effective turnkey free-roam VR solution designed for arcades, family entertainment centers (FECs), trampoline parks, and multi-activity venues. Includes operator kiosk with touchscreen, retractable banners, premium branded vinyl flooring, Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise headset, swappable batteries, and PC.
- Arena Max The premium free-roam VR arena for high-traffic venues designed as a commanding centerpiece with maximum visual impact. Includes operator kiosk, sound system, Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise headset, swappable batteries, PC, network infrastructure, and 1-year subscription. Optional LED back wall, bHaptics TactPro haptic vests, and StrikerVR Mavrik Pro blasters for enhanced immersion. Available in 6x6m (up to 6 players) and 6x9m (up to 8 players) configurations.
- Terminator: Uprising Free-roam VR game based on the Terminator 2: Judgment Day Hollywood IP, licensed through STUDIOCANAL/CANAL+ in a multi-year deal. Released across 450 locations in 46 countries as the first major Hollywood IP-based free-roam VR game at cinematic scale.
- Cook'd Up! Collaborative free-roam VR game simulating a burger joint kitchen experience for up to 4 players, developed in partnership with Knucklehead Studios.
- Espionage Express Cooperative free-roam VR escape adventure on a hacked train for up to 6 players, developed in partnership with Knucklehead Studios.
- Wizard Academy Cooperative free-roam VR puzzle game where 1-8 players take on the role of wizard students completing a magical exam, casting spells, collecting artifacts, and solving puzzles within a 5-20 minute session.
Quantifiable outcome
- 500+ venues globally
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Hero Zone
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Hero Zone technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Hero Zone partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- PhenomenaflagshipAcquisition of Phenomena's VR eSport Arena platform, including leading laser-tag VR game 'Versus'. Transaction expected to close by end of year with technology and games migrating into Hero Zone ecosystem in 2026. Awane Jones to stay on as GM of North America. Strengthens Hero Zone's position as largest free-roam VR company.
- Knucklehead StudioscoreDutch VR development team with track record on Arizona Sunshine (Vertigo Games) and 5 years of LBVR market experience. Developed Cops vs Robbers as Hero Zone's first third-party distribution partnership. Team has had 300,000 people experience VR for first time in their arcade.
- Amusement Services International (ASI)coreASI serves as distribution partner to bring Hero Zone VR games to MENA region. Hero Zone already has two locations in Kuwait (Future Kids) with other MENA sites in Saudi Arabia and Oman. ASI Pavilion at DEAL 2023 showcased Hero Zone Arena.
- SPREE InteractivecoreAsset purchase of SPREE Interactive free-roam system following SPREE's administration. Safeguards the only free-roam VR platform designed for children under 10. Expands network to over 500 venues. SPREE locations primarily at trampoline parks including major deployment at Urban Air Adventure Parks.
- Pico (ByteDance)coreUsing Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise headsets as the standard VR hardware across all Arena products. Standalone enterprise VR headset with industry-leading tracking and high-resolution visuals.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Hero Zone competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sandbox VR: Sandbox VR operates premium free-roam VR experiences at its own owned locations globally, with Hollywood IP partnerships. It is the most direct competitor to Hero Zone's B2B platform approach, though Sandbox VR is B2C operator while Hero Zone is B2B enabler.
- Immotion Group: Immotion Group provides VR experiences and motion platforms to LBE venues including cinemas, aquariums, and FECs. Comparable as a B2B VR experience provider for entertainment operators, though Immotion has broader scope beyond free-roam VR.
- Two Bit Circus: Two Bit Circus operates VR arcades and entertainment venues combining VR, arcade games, and immersive experiences. Comparable as a VR-enabled entertainment venue operator that uses and showcases VR technology in LBE settings.
- Zero Latency: Zero Latency is a free-roam multiplayer VR platform serving FECs and entertainment venues worldwide. Directly comparable as a B2B free-roam VR platform targeting the same operator segments (arcades, FECs, trampoline parks).
- Dreamscape Immersive: Dreamscape operates location-based VR entertainment venues with Hollywood IP partnerships (DreamWorks, Raiders of the Lost Ark). Comparable as a premium VR LBE provider competing for the same entertainment venue and family audience.
- ARVI: ARVI provides VR escape room and entertainment solutions for FECs and entertainment venues. Comparable as a B2B VR experience provider targeting the same operator customer base (FECs, entertainment centers, family entertainment venues).
Emerging players
- Survios: Survios is a VR game studio (creators of Creed, Sprint Vector) with LBE deployments. Comparable as a VR content creator whose games are deployed across VR arcades and free-roam venues, intersecting with Hero Zone's game library strategy.
- Vertigo Games: Vertigo Games is a VR game publisher behind Arizona Sunshine and other LBE-friendly titles. Comparable as a VR content developer whose IP gets deployed across VR arcades and free-roam venues, sometimes in competition with Hero Zone's exclusive titles.
Others
- STRIVR: STRIVR provides VR training and immersive learning solutions primarily for sports and enterprise. Comparable as a VR platform company operating in adjacent verticals (training vs entertainment), with shared underlying VR technology.
Broad incumbents
- nDreams: nDreams is an established VR game developer and publisher acquired by Sumo Group. Comparable as a VR content producer whose titles are licensed into VR arcades and LBE venues, operating at a broader VR content level than Hero Zone's free-roam focus.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Hero Zone social profiles
Digital presenceHero Zone financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hero Zone leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Hero Zone subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Hero Zone funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hero Zone M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Hero Zone
What does Hero Zone do?
Hero Zone provides a free-roam virtual reality platform for location-based entertainment venues (arcades, family entertainment centers, trampoline parks, and event operators). The offering combines a unified software platform (Hero Zone Platform) with a per-player credit-based game library, sold alongside three turnkey hardware bundles (Hero Zone Go portable, Arena Flex compact, Arena Max premium) and a software-only option. Operators deploy multiplayer VR experiences for 4-8 players without cables, treadmills, or joysticks, with remote fleet management and continuous content updates.
Is Hero Zone a public or private company?
Hero Zone is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Hero Zone founded?
Hero Zone was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
How does Hero Zone make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Usage-based Credits are the primary driver. The others are turnkey Hardware Solutions, software Platform Subscription and platform-Only Software License.
Who are Hero Zone's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sandbox VR, Immotion Group, Two Bit Circus, Zero Latency, Dreamscape Immersive and ARVI. Emerging players are Survios and Vertigo Games. STRIVR is listed as an others. nDreams is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Hero Zone have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hero Zone.
What industry is Hero Zone in?
Hero Zone's product category is Location-Based VR Entertainment Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFALAE, VR & Immersive Esports/LBE Venues (VR Arenas, Sim Racing Pods), with a secondary code of BPAMAKAG, VR/AR Gaming Platforms. Its NAICS code is 7131 and its SIC code is 7900.