Waiting in a long line for a popular ride can be a real bummer, so Cedar Point is looking to a virtual world to help its guests pass the time.
The park is now offering an online game “The Battle for Cedar Point” within its mobile app that pits guests against one another. The free game was developed by UK-based Holovis.
Once logged into the app, guests join one of five “clans” — Valravn, GateKeeper, Millennium Force, Top Thrill Dragster or Maverick. Each of the clans has its own unique character avatar and custom battle shield.
Throughout the day, guests can battle against other park guests in the virtual world. They can earn points by scanning special ride signs, T-shirts and game symbols scattered throughout the park.
Park officials say once these items are scanned, the items come to life on the guest’s Apple or Android phone, allowing them to see virtual characters, animated signs and achievement symbols.
Park spokesman Tony Clark said guests who are brave enough to ride the park’s new Valravn dive roller coaster can earn extra points by unlocking the “Secrets of Valravn” as they navigate the queue line with hidden clues along the path.
Park guests can keep tabs on their particular clan’s progress by scanning park maps located throughout Cedar Point, and once certain point levels are achieved, they can purchase special victory pins and T-shirts in the gift shops.
This is not the park’s first dabbling in the world of virtual reality.
The park tested out virtual reality headsets on its Iron Dragon roller coaster last week.
The park has not said what the story line would be just yet and when the enhanced ride experience might be rolled out to the public.
The VR (virtual reality) technology allows riders on the coaster to enter an alternative world where the action they view inside the headset is augmented by the motion of the coaster.
Rival Six Flags has been rolling out virtual reality headsets on some its roller coaster for about a year.
Park General Manager Jason McClure said this is all part of an effort to once again redefine the guest experience and the game within the park app is great first step.
“The Battle for Cedar Point is interactive, it’s immersive and most importantly, it’s just plain fun,” McClure said in a statement. “Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional day at the park, or they can take their visit to the next level by playing the game in our new mobile app.”
Anne Akande, a project manager at Holovis, said there are other applications of the technology that can bring “the wider park story to life in a really compelling way.”
The Cedar Point mobile app is available for free at the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
Craig Webb can reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3547. Visit his Airtime blog about amusement parks on Ohio.com or on Twitter at @CraigWebb68.