As virtual reality continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, Sandbox VR is Atlanta’s gateway to the digital world, blending video games with interactive elements and athleticism.
With two locations, one in The Interlock and the other at The Battery, Sandbox VR offers an immersive experience where guests step into narrative-rich games powered by motion capture technology.
With multiple titles to choose from, The Atlanta Voice had the opportunity to play two of the nine currently available experiences at The Interlock location. The first, Curse of Davy Jones, is geared toward younger audiences or players easing into VR. In this adventure, you and your team become swashbuckling pirates seeking to secure a bounty from Davy Jones’ locker while battling skeleton pirates in his service. When you enter a Sandbox VR experience, you are equipped with motion capture gear on your hands and feet, looking as if you are about to walk onto the set of a Marvel Movie.
Nazir Huynh, a junior at Kennesaw State University studying game design and working at Sandbox VR, sees the job as more than just a paycheck.
“I was looking for something aligned with my major, and I saw the job listing on Indeed,” Huynh said. “It felt too good to be true at first—but it was real.”
Since joining Sandbox VR in July 2023, Huynh has played every experience offered at the venue. His favorites include the competitive and popular Squid Game, based on the Netflix TV show, and Amber Sky, a fast-paced, cinematic shooter.
To fully immerse yourself in the experience, you’re equipped with headphones and a VR headset that replaces your entire field of vision with the world you’re about to enter.
“Amber Sky was the first game I played during training,” he said. “It’s intense but not overwhelming. The graphics are amazing, and anyone can jump in.”
The second game, which Huynh described as on the opposite end of the intensity spectrum, was Deadwood Valley: PHOBIA, a horror-filled zombie shooter. In this experience, you play a special forces operative tasked with saving fellow soldiers trapped in a zombie-infested asylum in a mission that tests nerves as much as skill. This is Sandbox’s first dive into psychological horror.
For Huynh, it’s not just the game design that keeps him engaged—it’s the people. Watching guests come alive in virtual spaces is part of the magic.
“I’ve seen little kids get excited, adults acting like kids again, even people with disabilities enjoy it,” he said. “Sandbox is really inclusive—we’ve had guests in wheelchairs, with one arm, or those who get motion sickness. We try to make it accessible to everyone.”
Each party can include up to six guests, and the game difficulty adjusts based on your group size. Photos and videos of gameplay are available for download once you have completed your session. After each game, you’ll likely be sweating from all the kneeling, ducking, and running—athletic wear is recommended. But whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned gamer, Huynh believes there’s something for everyone.
“Some people want to shoot zombies. Others want something light. That variety is what makes this place special.”
To book your session, visit: https://sandboxvr.com/atlanta/