Location-Based Entertainment: The Evolution of Immersive Leisure Experiences

Time Business News

16-05-2025

Location-based entertainment (LBE) refers to physical venues where consumers engage in interactive, often technology-enhanced, entertainment experiences—from immersive movie worlds and family amusement parks to high-tech arcades and themed social venues. As consumer demand grows for in-person, high-engagement experiences, the LBE space is undergoing a dynamic transformation powered by innovation, strategic partnerships, and educational investment.
A Surge of Innovation and Strategic Moves in 2024–2025
FIU Launches D.R.E.A.M.S. Program with the Dolan Family Foundation
In 2025, Florida International University (FIU), with support from the Dolan Family Foundation, launched the Digital Research Entertainment Arts Media Sciences (D.R.E.A.M.S.) initiative. This academic-industry collaboration aims to position FIU at the forefront of the LBE sector by equipping students with immersive tech skills, real-world project experience, and direct access to leading entertainment partners.
Impact: This initiative is expected to drive a new wave of talent into the LBE space, increasing the availability of skilled professionals who can bring cutting-edge creative and technical ideas to life. It also reflects a growing emphasis on education as a pipeline for future innovation.
Blacklist Experiences and Lionsgate Join Forces
Also in 2025, Blacklist Experiences announced a new collaboration with Lionsgate to develop immersive experiences based on the studio's blockbuster franchises. By fusing cinematic storytelling with interactive environments, this partnership targets fans eager to step into their favorite fictional worlds.
Impact: This move further commercializes intellectual property within physical entertainment formats and intensifies competition among studios to capitalize on fan engagement through real-world attractions. It also sets a benchmark for branded entertainment in the LBE space.
Lucky Strike Entertainment Acquires Visalia Adventure Park
In a strategic move, Lucky Strike Entertainment acquired Visalia Adventure Park, a 7-acre family destination in California. The park features activities for all age groups, including mini golf, laser tag, go-karts, and arcades.
Impact: This acquisition signals a broader trend of consolidation and expansion among LBE operators, helping companies diversify their offerings and build nationwide networks of experiential venues. It also reflects a push toward multi-generational, all-in-one entertainment centers.
Bowlero to Rebrand as Lucky Strike Entertainment
In late 2024, Bowlero Corporation revealed plans to rebrand itself as Lucky Strike Entertainment. This shift underscores the company's intent to move beyond its bowling roots and embrace a wider portfolio of interactive and social experiences.
Impact: The rebrand marks a strategic pivot toward experiential diversification, encouraging traditional venues to innovate and evolve with changing consumer expectations. It also aligns with a growing trend where entertainment providers blend lifestyle, technology, and social engagement under a single brand.
With institutions, entertainment giants, and venue operators all actively investing in immersive real-world experiences, the LBE sector is on a transformative path. As educational pipelines expand, IP-driven experiences proliferate, and legacy brands reposition themselves for the future, the stage is set for an increasingly interactive and boundary-pushing era in entertainment.
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