Virtual reality experience centre to open in Rochdale

Alternate States will open in Castleton on 17 April

A unique virtual reality (VR) experience is opening in Rochdale next week, promising VR games and activities not found anywhere else in the north west.

Alternate States opens its doors to the public on Wednesday 17 April. The Castleton venue aims to attract gamers, families and fitness fanatics, thanks to a range of state-of-the-art VR technology.

Omni, a treadmill-based 360-degree VR experience puts users in the middle of a shoot ‘em up, adventure, arcade and escape-style action, whilst Icaros combines fitness and fun as users fly, dive or drive through a selection of highly realistic virtual worlds.

A third experience, Vive, provides virtual chills and thrills in worlds as diverse as medieval castles and deep space. Across Alternate States’ technology suite, there are scores of worlds and experiences to try, from traditional fighting simulations to more serene wildlife-based adventures.

Founder Jake White said: “Some people may be familiar with the arcade-style VR experiences that are popping up in places like Manchester and elsewhere, and they’re great.

“Alternate States takes VR one step further. There’s lots here to thrill gamers, but also plenty for families and groups of friends to do, and, unlike some other VR experiences, they can all be in the worlds together, at the same time.”

Jake adds that the new business has benefited from the support and expertise of the Rochdale Development Agency (RDA), which encourages investment in the town.

He has recently joined the Rochdale Ambassadors scheme, which harnesses the national networking activities of well-connected business people from across the region to promote the town as a place for business.

Alternate States opens on Wednesday 17 April in the old library building, Castleton.