New World Rides

Where Virtual Reality Gets Physical

New World Rides calls itself the Center for Alternate Reality, and that name fits. This is not a place where you sit on a couch with a headset. It is a full-body, walk-around, move-through VR experience. The centerpiece of the venue is the Roto Loco — a custom-built, rotating motion platform that the team designed and engineered in-house. It bridges the gap between an arcade game and an amusement park ride, giving players a sense of movement and momentum that standard VR setups simply cannot deliver. Beyond the Roto Loco, the Free Roam VR Arena is where the real action happens. Players strap on specialized gear, pick up high-tech laser blasters, and navigate a dynamic virtual environment that reacts to every step and movement. The technology is designed to fade into the background, leaving only the sensation of being inside another world. The team uses anti-motion sickness technology across all their games, making the experience accessible even for first-time VR visitors.

Games That Feel Like Stories

The library of titles at New World Rides is carefully curated and regularly updated. One of their most popular games is Arrowsong, a bow-and-arrow adventure that drops players into a fantastical realm. For those who prefer a darker challenge, Zombie Apocalypse tasks teams with defending a barricade against waves of the undead. There is also a goblin farm scenario set in a medieval dungeon, a cops-and-robbers simulation, a killer virus survival mission, and a quantum arena where friends can battle each other head-to-head. Each game offers multiple difficulty levels and maps, so repeat visitors always find something fresh. The venue also features Shuttle 39, a flagship title developed specifically for the Roto Loco platform in collaboration with the game development team Arcvale. It is a ride-based experience that combines storytelling with physical motion in a way that feels genuinely unique.

Built for Groups, Celebrations, and Teamwork

New World Rides was designed from the ground up with groups in mind. The spacious facility can accommodate parties of varying sizes, and the multiplayer nature of the games makes it a natural fit for birthdays, corporate team-building events, school field trips, and casual get-togethers with friends. The team has hosted work retreats for local startups like Domi Station, as well as school groups from institutions like The Magnolia School. The venue offers exclusive access to the entire arcade for private events, allowing groups to play without interruption. Whether it is a child's birthday party, a corporate offsite, or a college outing from nearby Florida State University, the space adapts to the occasion. The staff handles the logistics so hosts can focus on enjoying the experience with their guests.

A Team of Builders and Dreamers

New World Rides was founded in 2015 by Nick Suttell, a Florida State University alumnus with a background in mechanical engineering. The company grew out of a passion for combining engineering with art, and the team today includes artists, engineers, and VR specialists who design and build much of their own equipment. They are a proud member of the Domi Station incubation program, which supports local entrepreneurs and startups in Tallahassee. The staff is trained to guide newcomers through the VR experience, ensuring that even those who have never worn a headset feel comfortable and confident. The team's hands-on approach extends to maintaining and upgrading the Roto Loco and other equipment on a regular basis, keeping everything running smoothly and safely.

More Than Just a Game

The venue includes a lounge area and recreation space where guests can relax before or after their session. It is located within the Railroad Square Art District, a creative hub filled with local art galleries, shops, and eateries. The area comes alive during First Friday events, when New World Rides often extends its hours and welcomes the community for special evening sessions. The facility also participates in the Railroad Square Bucks program, offering discounts to visitors who purchase local currency at participating businesses. It is a small touch that reflects the venue's connection to the surrounding artistic community. For those looking for a memorable outing that goes beyond the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine, New World Rides offers something genuinely different — a chance to step into another world, move through it, and come out with stories to tell.