05/07/2025 – About the Topic
With the successes of “Pokémon Go” and “Beat Saber,” virtual and augmented reality games have proven their staying power—but what makes them successful, and what will convince more gamers to make the transition? While VR’s appeal is undeniable, skepticism remains due to hardware demands, limited game libraries, and its perception as a niche market. The latest data suggests that while VR engagement is rising, developers remain hesitant, citing concerns over market size. The Apple Vision Pro, despite its high-tech promise, has yet to significantly shift industry sentiment. Meanwhile, arcade gaming is experiencing a resurgence, driven by social and physical activity-based experiences—an indication that players crave interactive, shared gaming environments.
Balancing potential with current limitations, players continue to seek a truly massive multiplayer online (MMO) experience in virtual reality (VR)—a vision many associate with the concept of the Metaverse. Yet, no game has fully captured that elusive sense of scale and depth. To understand what could drive mass adoption, we look to perspectives from gamers, arcade experiences, immersive game rooms, streamers, and developers. Are players seeking social connectivity, compelling storylines, ease of adoption, or high-end aesthetics? The answer may determine the future of immersive gaming.
Panel Members
Details Coming Soon…
What’s the Format
Times in Central Daylight Time (CDT)
5:30-8:30pm for the In-Person Program
6:00-8:00pm in Virbela for the Virtual Program
5:30-6:15pm – Networking & Technology Demonstrations
6:15-6:30pm – Introductions & Welcome
6:30-7:10pm – Panelist Presentations
7:10-7:45pm – Panel Discussion with Q&A
7:45-8:30pm – Networking & Technology Demonstrations
We will start with informal networking, then host a panel discussion to answer audience questions, and we end with more networking. We keep it simple and informal – this meetup is about you, our members, and not just a soap box for the host, presenters, or our sponsors. Come and get your questions answered, take your next step in Immersive Technology.
Attending The Next Evolution
Attending in-Person
2112 | 4245 N Knox Ave
For our Physical Venue, 1871 can be found in Suite 1212 on the 12th floor of theMART, which is located on the North side of the river between Wells and Orleans. For easy access, enter through the Orleans entrance on the west side of theMART and take those elevators to the 12th floor.
Watching the Live Stream
Primary Live Stream | www.youtube.com/@AWEXR/streams
People can join by watching the scheduled live stream where we will field questions from!
Attending Virtually
FRAME | A Virbela Virtual Environment
Framevr.io/the-next-evolution-awe-nite-chicago
We encourage folks to join us in the virtual environment by simply clicking the link above.
The Frame virtual environment resembles a physical space, so you will be able to talk with other attendees prior to the start of the presentations. We suggest that you arrive no later than 6:00pm and we will get started promptly at 6:15. Please try to get familiar with the technology prior to the meetup, as we will be unable to provide support during the event. Share your camera or simply be a unique avatar or a robot!
thank you to our sponsors
thank you to our supporting partners
