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# Underground Gaming Events
PlayStation's Pop-Up Let Fans Play VR Games Before Its Headset Release

By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-04-13 | Tech
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-event
References: [eventmagazine](http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/pictures-playstations-vr-event-egx-rezzed/brands/article/1390970)

For this year's EGX Razzed, PlayStation set up an exciting gaming event for its fans.

PlayStation's own [virtual reality headset](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/computerbased-vr-headsets) isn't set for an official release until October later this year, but fans were invited into a [pop-up underground gaming lair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-odyssey-gaming-booth) where they could play a variety of VR games months ahead of the release. With 12 individual gaming stations, six titles were teased at the gaming event, including Rez Infinite, Playroom VR and Battlezone. Although virtual reality experiences are best experienced first-hand, PlayStation created a setup that allowed spectators to see the simulations come to life before their eyes on large-screen TVs.

As well as featuring branded drinks and a comfortable lounge area, the pop-up event space also had a photo booth where fans could take a picture of themselves wearing the [PlayStation VR](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-football) gear.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 3.0/10
- Popularity: 51% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial
- Top markets: Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Virtual Reality Gaming:** Brands can create pop-up underground gaming events that give fans an exclusive preview of their latest VR games.
- **Pre-release Access:** Businesses can create buzz around a product by giving customers pre-release access through gaming events.
- **Multiplayer Experiences:** Businesses can attract larger crowds by hosting multiplayer VR experiences at gaming events.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Technology:** Tech companies can utilize gaming events to showcase their latest products and generate excitement around upcoming releases.
- **Entertainment:** Gaming events can be used by entertainment businesses to promote their latest offerings and engage with fans.
- **Hospitality:** Hotels and restaurants can host gaming events to attract younger crowds and offer unique experiences to their guests.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Virtual Reality Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playstation-vr-2.md)
- [Mixed Reality Headset Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/play-for-dream.md)
- [Celebratory VR Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freeroam-virtual-reality-entertainment.md)
- [Gamified Beauty Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-players-lounge-popup.md)
- [Extended Reality Gaming Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtue-one.md)
- [Mixed-Reality Treasure Hunts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mixed-reality-treasure-hunt.md)
- [VR-Focused Console Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playstation-5-pro-concept.md)
- [Immersive Sports Fan Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sports-fan-communities.md)
- [Immersive Gaming Activations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-odyssey-gaming-booth.md)