Franklin company partners on VR esports leagues

FRANKLIN, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Franklin-based Harena Data is partnering with Phenomena VR in Canada to launch a series of competitive virtual reality esports leagues. Harena Data, which bills itself as an esports community aggregator, says it will “leaguify” and manage tournaments and competitions set in Phenomena’s VR esport Arena.

Phenomena says the arena is the first-ever free roam VR arena that allows players to move around an open space without the need for a cable management system or supported backpack.

Chief Executive Officer Awane Jones says the company has spent the last two years in research and development to bring the arena up to 10,000 square feet, making it capable of being used in more than 100 arenas worldwide.

“Phenomena VR is one of the most technologically innovative companies in the mixed reality space,” said Bill Dever, Chief Strategy Officer at Harena Data. “Their 360 degree immersive technology and VR arenas can create highly competitive environments that are perfect for esports leagues. We believe this is the next-generation of entertainment and competition.”

Harena Data says the VR esports tournaments will start with three games, including a VR laser tag game, a cooperative shooter game, and a VR dance rhythm game.

The partners did not provide a timeline for the first tournaments to be held.