A NEW virtual reality arcade could open in York by the end of the year.

Plans have been submitted for the venture, which will be called Play It VR, to open on York Road in Acomb in a vacant unit next door to Eyecare Opticians.

The venue would be a first for York but virtual reality arcades have already opened in London, Manchester, Liverpool and Bradford.

Applicants Kate Nolton and Mike Creedon said the centre will feature six virtual reality booths where customers can play more than 200 games.

Kate, 37, said: "Mike has always wanted to do something like this and wanted to open a gaming cafe. This is a step into the next stage of technology.

"We are both quite into gaming. But virtual reality technology is still expensive and you need a lot of space. It goes beyond gaming and can be much more of a sociable activity. It's not just about games and entertainment, there are so many ways to explore and experience new technology.

"People are really excited about the idea of something like this coming to York."

The arcade would also feature a seating area where people can socialise and there will be a green screen, on which the team can project images of the world the gamer is immersed in.

Visitors will be able to book slots of half an hours at the booths, which can be shared with friends, and group bookings and parties will also be available.

Tournaments could also be held at the venue and there will be leaderboards to display the top scoring players on different games.

Kate added: "The technology has only really come about in the last two years. It's really important for us to make it affordable and accessible.

"There are not yet many VR arcades in the UK, there are more in north America.

"You have to instil an element of trust because people can be fully immersed so they need to feel safe and secure. A lot of research also shows people really like talking about their gaming experiences with each other, so we envisage that it will be a sociable place where people can come in with friends and chat."

The arcade would open seven days a week, from 11am until 9pm.

Kate and Mike are also hoping to team up with schools and software developers who might want to use the technology for education and research.

And there are also plans for a loyalty card and VIP scheme, when customers may get the opportunity to try new games before they are rolled out at the centre.