Sandbox VR, a global leader in premium location-based virtual reality experiences, is making waves in the industry with its rapid franchise expansion. The company has seen an impressive 60% growth in franchise deals in the second quarter of the year, setting the stage for the opening of 280 new franchise locations over the next four years. This exciting announcement comes hot on the heels of the inauguration of their 50th store on August 15, located on the Gold Coast in Australia, marking their first foray into the Australian market and expanding their reach to four continents and nine countries worldwide.
Established in Hong Kong in 2017, Sandbox VR has quickly expanded its global presence through a combination of successful corporate-owned locations and a thriving franchising program. Today, their global locations attract over 100,000 players monthly, showcasing the immense popularity and demand for their immersive virtual reality experiences. In 2023, the company achieved a significant milestone by selling over 1.2 million tickets, with a 33% year-over-year increase in ticket sales in 2024. Furthermore, Sandbox VR’s corporate locations, totaling 37 stores, have surpassed revenue expectations, with the average store generating $1.9 million annually.
The franchise program was introduced in 2019 for international markets and recently expanded to include US territories in April of this year. Within a span of four months, 33% of available Sandbox VR US franchise territories have already been claimed by new and existing franchise partners, indicating a strong interest in the brand and its offerings. The success of the franchising model has propelled Sandbox VR to become the fastest-growing location-based VR startup globally, with promising prospects for continued growth. Limited opportunities for prime locations and exclusive territories are still available for interested parties in the US market.
Steve Zhao, the CEO and founder of Sandbox VR, attributes the company’s success to a dedicated team and cutting-edge virtual reality technology. He emphasizes the importance of collaborating with the right partners as they expand globally and expresses excitement about working with passionate franchise partners to open hundreds more locations in the coming years. One such partner, Bao Phung, the owner of Sandbox VR Gold Coast, highlights the strategic decision to partner with Sandbox VR for their immersive games and advanced VR platform. The Gold Coast, a popular tourist destination attracting millions of visitors annually, serves as an ideal location for their first store, offering locals and visitors a unique virtual reality experience.
In the UK and Ireland, Sandbox VR’s franchise partners, VR Entertainment Group, have achieved remarkable success since launching their first store in London in July 2022. With the addition of a second location in Birmingham a year later, they have exceeded the $10 million revenue milestone. The partnership between VR Entertainment Group and Sandbox VR has proven to be a winning combination, leveraging Sandbox VR’s technology and brand with VR Entertainment Group’s local expertise to deliver exceptional experiences for guests.
The core of Sandbox VR’s success lies in its proprietary virtual reality technology, which provides players with unparalleled realism and immersion. Their motion-tracking system captures the movements of players’ entire bodies, combined with high-quality haptics, creating an experience that surpasses home VR setups or other location-based platforms. Guests become active participants in the virtual world, using their bodies as controllers to navigate and interact with their surroundings.
With a lineup of eight unique experiences developed by in-house AAA gaming studios in Hong Kong and Vancouver, Sandbox VR offers social gameplay designed for groups of up to six players. Teams can freely explore virtual worlds together, relying on teamwork and communication to navigate challenges and complete objectives. The social aspect of Sandbox VR experiences enhances the overall enjoyment and engagement for players, making it a popular choice for group outings and team-building activities.
As Sandbox VR continues to expand its global footprint, the company remains committed to providing top-tier virtual reality experiences for players of all ages. Their exclusive games, including partnerships with renowned brands like Netflix for experiences such as Squid Game Virtuals, set them apart in the industry. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Sandbox VR is poised for further growth and success in the competitive virtual reality market.
Franchise Program Expansion
The recent surge in franchise deals for Sandbox VR demonstrates the growing demand for their immersive virtual reality experiences. With plans to open 280 new franchise locations in the next four years, the company is set to significantly expand its global presence and reach new audiences. The success of their franchising program can be attributed to a combination of unique offerings, cutting-edge technology, and strategic partnerships with franchisees who share their vision for the future of entertainment.
Success Stories
The success stories of franchise partners like Bao Phung in Australia and VR Entertainment Group in the UK and Ireland highlight the potential for growth and profitability within the Sandbox VR franchise network. By leveraging Sandbox VR’s brand and technology, these partners have been able to achieve impressive revenue milestones and establish themselves as leaders in their respective markets. The strong partnership between Sandbox VR and its franchisees underscores the collaborative nature of the franchise program and the mutual benefits of working together towards shared goals.
Future of Entertainment
As Sandbox VR continues to innovate and expand, they are poised to shape the future of entertainment with their immersive virtual reality experiences. By combining cutting-edge technology with engaging gameplay, they offer a unique and memorable entertainment option for players around the world. With a focus on social experiences and group gameplay, Sandbox VR is redefining the way people interact with virtual reality and setting new standards for the industry.
In conclusion, Sandbox VR’s franchise expansion represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory, signaling a promising future for the brand and its partners. With a strong focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and collaboration, Sandbox VR is well-positioned to lead the way in the evolving landscape of location-based virtual reality entertainment. As they continue to open new franchise locations and introduce players to immersive experiences, Sandbox VR is set to make a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.