Another World NOLA

Another World NOLA is located in the Colonial Shopping Center in Harahan, Louisiana — a quiet suburb just outside New Orleans, easily accessible from the greater metro area.

Step Into a New Kind of Arena

This is not your typical video game setup. Another World NOLA is Louisiana's first free-roam virtual reality arena, meaning players move naturally through a real open space while wearing wireless Meta Quest 3 headsets. The main gaming area spans 660 square feet, with an additional 450-square-foot space in development. Think of it like laser tag — but instead of plastic vests and phasers, you are fully immersed in a digital world where your body is the controller. The equipment tracks your every move, showing you in-game if you are about to bump into a wall or another player, so the experience feels both liberating and safe. The arena was founded by Jocelyn Walker, a 26-year-old former collegiate soccer player from Shreveport who discovered free-roam VR during a rainy vacation in Toronto. She loved how intuitive and physical the experience was — no complicated button combinations, just natural movement. After testing the concept with her family at several franchise locations across Texas, she brought the first free-roam VR arena to Louisiana in the spring of 2024.

A Library of Over 20 Immersive Worlds

The game catalog is surprisingly deep for a local VR venue. Players can choose from more than 20 different scenarios spanning multiple genres. There are first-person shooters like "Kernel: Bunker" and "Kernel: Raven" — tactical PvP maps with hiding spots, portals, and realistic graphics. Sci-fi horror fans can explore "Starbase: Expedition," a tense narrative-driven experience set on a deserted space station. For younger players or those looking for something lighter, there are kid-friendly options like "Ghost Tower: Fishing" (a whimsical fishing competition with ghost helpers), "Harvest" (a berry-picking race on Grandpa's farm), and "Ghost Tower: Dance" (a motion-based dance battle). Each session runs approximately 40 minutes, and groups can switch between games during their booking. The arena supports 2 to 12 players depending on the game, with a maximum of 8 players in a single simultaneous session. Most games are designed for multiplayer teamwork or competition, though there are a couple of single or two-player options for those who prefer to play cooperatively against the game itself.

Built for Celebrations and Team Bonding

The venue is particularly well-suited for private events. Birthday parties, corporate team-building sessions, date nights, and group hangouts all work naturally here because your party gets the entire arena to itself — no strangers mixed in. The staff handles all the technical setup, guides players through the games, and keeps the energy up so the host can simply enjoy the celebration. For corporate groups, the arena offers a refreshing alternative to awkward icebreakers: teams can compete or cooperate in a physically active, laughter-filled environment that naturally builds camaraderie. The space includes a comfortable lounge area where guests can relax between games, enjoy snacks, or celebrate with cake. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, and the staff can assist with party coordination. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming — the kind of place where a group of friends can show up in comfortable clothes, get a quick tutorial, and be immersed in another world within minutes.

Equipment That Keeps Everyone Comfortable

The arena uses wireless Meta Quest 3 headsets with crisp visuals and smooth motion tracking. The headsets are designed to fit comfortably over glasses, and the controls are intentionally simple — just one or two buttons — so even complete beginners can jump in without frustration. All equipment is disinfected after each session, and the staff provides clear guidance on safety, including the golden rule: no running. The physical nature of the games means players should wear comfortable clothing that allows for bending, crouching, and moving freely. Owner Jocelyn Walker has expressed interest in expanding the experience with haptic vests that buzz when you are hit and lifelike gun controllers from local New Orleans company Striker VR, but for now the Meta Quest 3 setup offers the most accessible and polished free-roam VR experience available.

Games for Almost Every Age and Comfort Level

The recommended age is 6 and up, though younger children (under 9 or 10) may find the experience either too challenging or too intense. Games are clearly labeled by age rating — some are suitable for ages 6+, while others are recommended for 12+ due to horror themes or more complex mechanics. The variety means a family with teenagers can play a zombie shooter together, while a group of younger kids can stick to the lighter, more whimsical adventures. The arena is not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or sensitivity to light and sound effects, and playing under the influence is strictly prohibited. With a 4.3/5 rating from over 260 reviews and a feature article in NOLA.com upon its opening, Another World NOLA has quickly established itself as a unique entertainment option in the greater New Orleans area — a place where the line between the real and the virtual blurs, and the only limit is how far you are willing to move.

als to transform their next event into an unforgettable adventure, promoting the concept of partying beyond conventional limitations by embracing immersion, competition, and celebration.

When hosting a party at Another World NOLA, participants can engage in action-packed VR adventures. These parties feature access to a private room, equipped with additional gaming options designed to sustain the entertainment. Another World NOLA suggests that their parties, whether they are for birthdays, team-building activities, or simply a gathering of friends, are full of excitement, teamwork, and the creation of lasting memories.