System and method for controlling multiple user groups within a single virtual reality play area

Abstract

A system for controlling player movement within a fixed virtual reality play area includes a plurality of panels defining an X by Y virtual reality play area, a transport area associated with the X by Y virtual reality play area and a virtual reality system. The virtual reality system displays a virtual reality environment to players. The virtual reality system divides the X by Y virtual reality play area defined by the plurality of panels into a plurality of virtual reality environment play areas. Each of the plurality of virtual reality environment areas comprises a portion of the virtual reality play area. The virtual reality system associates a first virtual reality player group with a first virtual reality environment play area of the plurality of virtual reality environment play areas and associates a second virtual reality player group with a second virtual reality environment play area of the plurality of virtual reality environment play areas. The first and second virtual reality player groups include at least one player member. The virtual reality system determines if the second virtual reality environment play area has been vacated by the second virtual reality player group. If the second virtual reality player group has not vacated the second virtual reality environment play area, the virtual reality system prevents entry of the first virtual reality player group into the second virtual reality environment play area from the first virtual reality environment play area. If the second virtual reality player group has vacated the second virtual reality environment play area, the virtual reality system enables entry of the first virtual reality player group into the second virtual reality environment play area from the first virtual reality environment play area.