Mall of America to debut Star Wars virtual reality experience

REAL ESTATE

Visitors to the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America will soon be able to join the rebellion and fight the Dark Side.

Immersive entertainment company the VOID, in collaboration with Lucasfilm and ILMxLAB, is opening “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire” – a location-based virtual reality experience – at Mall of America.

“The VOID brings a new level of immersive experience and storytelling to Mall of America through its state-of-the-art technology,” said VP of real estate and leasing Heather Brechbill-Swilley at Mall of America. “We’re excited to offer guests the chance to be the hero of their own adventure in a variety of beloved universes through the VOID’s unique attraction model.”

By combining state-of-the-art VR technology, physical stages and multi-sensory effects, including touch and smell, the Star Wars universe comes to life as visitors walk freely with friends and family through interactive sets – along with gear – to create an immersive experience by layering virtual worlds over physical spaces.

Under the orders of the rebellion, teams of four guests must work together to infiltrate an Imperial base disguised as stormtroopers where they’ll navigate through to steal critical intelligence with help from familiar Star Wars characters along the way. Guests engage, communicate and connect as a group to accomplish their overall mission for a fun, social experience.

This will be the VOID’s first Midwest location. The company currently has locations in Anaheim, Calif., Glendale, California, Las Vegas, Orlando, Florida, New York City, Dubai, U.A.E., and Toronto, Ontario.

Mall of America has more than 520 retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s largest indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; Hard Rock Café; The Escape Game; CMX Cinemas and more.