Editor: Another World Date: 31.07.2026 ~8 minutes of reading
There is a persistent myth: virtual reality businesses can only be profitable in million-plus cities with massive foot traffic. We at Another World are convinced this isn't true.
In 2026, thanks to the development of standalone headsets (no PC tethering required) and AI-generated virtual environments, the barrier to entry into the VR industry has dropped. Today, we are sharing a real case study of our partner from Peterborough (Canada) – a city with a population of about 80,000. It might seem like a limited market. But by month 7 of operations, the arena reached over $17,000 CAD in monthly revenue, of which $11,000 CAD is net profit.
How did the partner achieve such results?
1. Service that wins hearts and drives word-of-mouth
Behind these numbers, there is no "magic pill" or a single viral ad channel. The foundation of success is systematic work across five key areas.
Let's break them down in detail.
In a small town, reputation is everything. One unhappy customer can tell half the town, but one thrilled customer will bring their whole family. Our partner focuses on genuine care for guests, which perfectly aligns with the Another World brand DNA: every visitor must receive attention, care, and vivid emotions.
What is done in practice:
Staff are trained to strict network standards and always greet guests in branded uniforms, creating an atmosphere of a professional celebration.
Every customer is offered complimentary beverages.
A nice bonus: if guests don't have a subsequent booking after their session, they are gifted additional playtime free of charge.
Result: Nearly 300 five-star reviews on Google. This isn't just a number; it's a powerful word-of-mouth engine that drives the cost of acquiring a new customer down to a minimum.
A franchise is not just a brand book; it's a living ecosystem. Successful partners don't try to reinvent the wheel; they actively leverage network resources.
What is done in practice:
Regular contact with the territory manager and systematic management of the task tracker.
Active participation in webinars and the exchange of best practices within the Another World network.
The main perk: Initiatives and recommendations from the management company don't get stuck at the discussion stage. The partner is distinguished by a high speed of implementation. It is this proactivity that allows them to quickly find and scale growth points.
2. Contact with the management company: speed is key
3. The owner's personal involvement in marketing
Even the best franchise doesn't negate the importance of personal involvement. The arena owner in Peterborough doesn't delegate marketing entirely to others, but personally creates news hooks.
What is done in practice:
Independently creating and dynamically editing short videos in CapCut (authentic, live content works better than stock footage).
Regular and authentic management of Instagram and TikTok.
Presence on non-standard platforms for the VR business: Airbnb (as a unique leisure activity for tourists), TripAdvisor, Reddit.
Close and native work with local city Facebook communities.
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The main pain point of the entertainment business is weekday occupancy. Our partner solved this problem by becoming an integral part of the local community's life.
What is done in practice:
Close collaboration with local schools.
Focus on promoting events on weekdays and during PA Days (Professional Activity Days — school pedagogical activity days in Ontario, when kids are off and parents are actively looking for ways to keep them busy and spend time productively).
Interaction with 13 local micro-influencers and bloggers who bring their loyal audiences.
4. Local partnerships as a driver of weekday traffic
Enthusiasm is important, but business is built on math. The partner keeps a finger on the pulse of financial metrics.
What is done in practice:
Strict control of operating expenses and transparent financial reporting.
Continuous analysis of marketing channel effectiveness (ROMI) and key business performance indicators (KPIs). This allows for instantly turning off non-working hypotheses and doubling down on those that generate profit.
5. Data-driven management, not intuition
The success of the Peterborough arena proves: a small city is not a limitation, but an opportunity.
Key Takeaway
Low barrier to entry: Rent and operating expenses are a fraction of those in major metropolitan areas.
Experience deficit: Regional residents often lack quality offline entertainment, creating high demand for new formats (VR cafes, attractions).
Customer loyalty: Once customers receive high-quality service, their loyalty is exponentially higher.
Government and grant support: Local administrations are often more willing to fund innovative projects for tourism and education development.
When franchisor recommendations are implemented quickly, tasks are closed systematically, and the owner is passionate about their business and creates truly memorable experiences for families — the financial results don't take long to materialize.
Want to open your own Another World VR arena and get support at every step?
Explore the franchise terms and submit an application on the website to receive a detailed financial model for your city.