Moab Giants Dinosaur Park wants people to learn more about the dinosaurs that roamed the Southwest long ago, but also have a little family-friendly fun in the meantime. That’s partly why they’re introducing The Orb Game, a virtual reality experience that allows families to explore an alternate reality where technology and dinosaurs coexist.
The Orb Game is played using a VR headset and handheld motion controllers. Players must use their skills and agility to rescue baby dinosaurs and eggs from a variety of dangerous situations, such as falling rocks, lava pits, and hungry predators.
On a recent visit, General Manager Sebastian Roa was clearly both proud of the giant orb that houses the game, which almost meets the building’s ceilings–and very relieved.
“This equipment was shipped all the way from Poland, where the owners are from,” said Roa, who has been with the park since 2020. “We just finished the assembly which was a really good challenge: it fit within just one or two inches. Perfect.”
The game was designed by Matrix Technology, a Polish company that specializes in virtual reality games and previously created the Moab Giant’s PaleoAquarium attraction–an immersive experience that simulates prehistoric sea creatures–which opened in 2016.
Since the park has a working relationship with the game developers, Roa said that he had a lot of ability to make changes to the game based on players’ feedback.
“I like gaming myself, so I’m excited to throw something new into the museum,” he said. “Especially since I think it’s great to have something for teenagers to do besides outdoor activities in the summer.”
Getting into the sound-proofed orb feels a bit like getting on an airplane–at least before putting on the virtual reality goggles which come equipped with speakers to hear gameplay.
“Ah, yes: you can hear the Jurassic atmosphere,” Roa said.
A trial game of four minutes consists of swooping around a park-like world inhabited by large dinosaurs and hostile helicopter-like robots. The Orb’s seats vibrate with movement and the effect is convincing, if a little dizzying to an adult brain.
“Since I can make changes, I’m always asking kids what they think about this. It’s great because they feel very important to have someone taking their opinion seriously,” said Roa, whose own two children gave the game thumbs up.
“We’re still testing it out right now, so we’re not charging for the game. We’ll likely make it longer and charge a fee in the future,” Roa said.
Roa, who grew up in Moab, clearly loves the challenge of being a jack-of-all-trades at the park.
“It’s a challenge for me that I enjoy. Working with people who are in Poland means I have to learn as much as possible about it all so I can do it myself,” he said. “After all, the technicians that came to install the Orb are back in Poland now!”
Moab Giants Dinosaur Park (112 West State Route 313) is open from Friday to Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last entry being at 5 p.m. to learn more about the Orb virtual reality exhibit, call 435-355-0288 or email info@moabgiants.com.
