EVA – A New Way to Play VR Shooters
Gear up. Lock & Load. Game on!
On 17 June 2025, we attended the inauguration of Romania's first VR esports arena – EVA (“Esports Virtual Arena”). After a festive welcome from the organisers, we had a short tour of the venue and attended a press conference where the EVA concept and future plans were presented to us.
What is EVA?
EVA is a European network of virtual reality arenas dedicated to VR esports competitions. This concept, new to Romania, manages to bring the best of VR without the classic disadvantages of virtual reality, such as motion sickness and reduced mobility. Many of the classic titles in this niche require frequent breaks to prevent motion sickness, but EVA players will not face this problem thanks to the state-of-the-art technology used in the two arenas, which allows participants to move freely, without wires or equipment to disturb the experience. The arena and equipment (VR headset and weapon) have sensors that detect and faithfully reproduce players' actions in the virtual space.
EVA offers two distinct shooter game modes:
- After-H: Battle Arena;
- Moon of the Dead.
The first mode is the classic PVP, where two teams of five players will face off in a deathmatch, taking place in the 500 m² arena. The equipment emulates different maps in virtual reality, and participants can fulfil their dream of experiencing something similar to Counter-Strike or Call of Duty, but “live”. The innovation compared to classic VR experiences (besides freedom of movement) is the ability to cross-play, allowing participants to compete against players from various corners of the world. Matches work similarly to online games, with players waiting in a virtual lobby to connect to a session with opponents from other arenas (if there aren't two teams present at the location), just like in League of Legends, Valorant, Fortnite, and so on. Thus, those who show up at the arena on Str. Biharia 67-77, Sector 1, Mun, Bucharest, might be surprised to fight opponents from Paris, Madrid, Bahrain, or Kuala Lumpur!
The second mode is cooperative, where participants must collaborate to face waves of reanimated enemies, which become more numerous with each round. Both types of matches last approximately 40 minutes. The PVP mode is recommended for people over 12 years old, while to participate in a match against zombies, players must be at least 16 years old.
In addition to the competitive component, EVA emphasises socialisation. Due to the interactive gameplay, it's inevitable that players will socialise outside the arena, thus forming friendships that transcend virtual boundaries.
The Bucharest location is modern, with two arenas housed in a hall specially designed for this purpose. Each arena is 500 m², allowing two matches to take place simultaneously. Complementing these ultramodern facilities, there is a cyberpunk-themed bar, perfect for cooling down after intense sessions, and a restaurant dedicated to foodies.
EVA is more than an arena; it's an entertainment hub that aims to become the place where gamers gather not only for intense matches but also for relaxation. In the near future, the Bucharest location will include an area dedicated to classic arcade and VR darts. Of course, the concept will expand beyond the capital, with hubs set to appear in other major Romanian cities, which will extend the network and player community. Currently, there are 58 EVA locations worldwide, but the number will soon reach 85, and the target for the next two years is to reach 200 hubs.
Esports in Motion
From everything described above, it's clear that the organisers combine pleasure (video games) with utility (movement) and thus manage to create a unique experience. Being an esport, there are official leagues, and the one in Romania is currently being established. The national championship will take place throughout July 2025, and the winners will represent the country at the World Championship held at the end of August at Gamescom in Cologne.
Match prices range from 79 lei (off-peak hours) to 99 lei (weekends). For those who get a taste for this new form of esports, a “Battlepass” subscription will soon be available, as well as B2B packages for companies that want to treat their employees to an unforgettable experience.
Thanks to DBO for the invitation, for all the support provided in opening the arena, and for all the effort put into showing the world that Romania is a true gaming hub, regardless of the form of gaming!
