Sandbox VR, a Leading VR Attraction Chain, Surpasses $200 Million in Revenue with Plans for 29 New Locations by 2025

Sandbox VR, a popular hub for location-based virtual reality experiences, has hit a major milestone, raking in over $200 million in lifetime revenue. Their ambitious global expansion plan includes 29 new locations slated for this year alone.

Established in 2016, Sandbox VR has had its fair share of challenges. They weathered the tumultuous storm of the COVID-19 pandemic, even navigating through Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2020, which forced them to lay off most of their employees and temporarily shutter their locations for much of that year.

Fast forward to 2024, and Sandbox VR is celebrating a big win, amassing $75 million in sales just this year, fueled by 1.4 million players visiting their ever-expanding venues worldwide. A huge chunk of this revenue spike can be attributed to their exclusive in-house content. One standout is their engaging Squid Game VR attraction, which alone has pulled in $30 million since its debut in 2023. Their immersive multiplayer experiences, which typically range from $50 to $60 per person and accommodate up to six players, are a key driver of this success.

Buoyed by this achievement, the company is opening 29 additional locations this year, marking roughly a 50% increase in their overall presence. They’re inching closer to a significant milestone with the opening of their 60th venue this month in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Looking ahead to 2025, Sandbox VR’s expansion blueprints are targeting a wide array of markets. The U.S., several European countries, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others such as Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, to name a few, are all on their radar. They are also eyeing Canada, Malaysia, and a range of countries across Asia, Africa, and South America.

The company’s growth is underscored by their impressive franchise activity. In 2024 alone, they sold 83 franchise units, bringing them to a robust pipeline of nearly 150 units being developed with 34 operators. This momentum represents a sixfold surge in deal signings over the past year.

“Reaching $200 million in lifetime sales is a landmark achievement for us,” remarked Steve Zhao, the CEO and founder of Sandbox VR. “This milestone underscores our commitment to providing immersive, social VR experiences that foster connection. Our global franchise expansion is thriving, driven by growing demand from both our operators and players who appreciate our unique offerings.”

Throughout 2024, an average of 117,000 players experienced Sandbox VR each month. With the launch of new locations worldwide, the company is optimistic, projecting this figure to grow to 150,000 monthly players in 2025.