PARTICIPANT RELEASE OF LIABILITY WAIVER FORM

PLEASE NOTE: You will be asked to sign this waiver form when you arrive for your booking.  You will not be able to take part in our experiences without signing this form.

BY ATTENDING “THE MIND FACTORY” OR USING OUR VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) HEADSETS AND ACCESSORIES, YOU ARE INDICATING YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.

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“THE MIND FACTORY” is owned and operated by The Mind Factory Entertainment Ltd.

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Due to the risks associated with the use of VR, “The Mind Factory” requires a waiver to be signed prior to using our VR equipment.

You are being made aware that there are risks associated with the use of VR Virtual Reality headsets and accessories.  Some of the risks are fairly obvious: bumping into objects, slips, trips and falls, etc.  Other risks are not so obvious and may be latent in their effects.  Examples of possible risks are vision impairment, dizziness, nausea or even a seizure.  However, there are well over 100 million VR headsets in use worldwide and most users do not experience any serious symptoms.  Virtual Reality headsets are a relatively new invention and you should do your own research before opting to use one. 

To enter Virtual Reality you must wear a headset which will totally block your view of your real location, and headphones that will prevent you from hearing the outside world.

We have tried to make the play area as safe as possible but there is still a risk of tripping / falling / walking into walls / walking into each other / striking the walls or other people.  For this reason, we do not allow running or walking backwards.

In a multi-player experience, you will be able to see a virtual representation of your team members in virtual reality, which should prevent collisions.  The tracking system is very accurate and you can even high-five / fist-bump your team mates in the virtual world.

The VR Headsets will warn you when you are approaching the physical real-world perimeter of the play area (i.e. the building walls) by displaying a virtual grid which represents the play area boundary.  When you see this warning, you should move away from the perimeter / walls by walking away in the real world.  This will be demonstrated as part of your orientation.  This boundary warning system works very well but is not completely infallible so you should take care and be aware of the risks.

You should remember that items in the virtual world are not present in the real world.  So do not try to lean on a virtual structure as you may fall over.

In the event of a fire alarm, our staff will stop the experience immediately.  You will also likely be aware of our very loud fire alarm even if you are wearing headphones.   If this happens, you should remove the headset and take instructions from our team members.

Some VR Experiences have an age rating and are unsuitable for younger players or people sensitive to violence / gore / jump scares.  It is the player’s (or player’s guardian if under 18) responsibility to check that the selected experiences are appropriate.

Please be aware that some players using our VR equipment can be shocked or surprised which can result in the shouting of expletives.  “The Mind Factory” and its staff will endeavour to limit this but it is obviously impossible for us to stop it entirely.  We require all visitors to treat our staff - and each other - with respect.

“The Mind Factory” has a zero tolerance policy regarding threatening language or behaviour directed at our staff or other customers.  Such language or behaviour will result in your booking being terminated immediately and without a refund being issued.  We reserve the right to cancel your experience at any time.

Some of our virtual reality experiences can be extremely realistic, resulting in a range of intense emotions for the user.  You may be scared, made to feel unsafe, unsure of your footing, or experience jumps / shocks or frights - it’s all part of the thrill!  Other experiences can help you relax, unwind and amaze you with wonder.  Everyone is different and we are more than happy to help choose an appropriate experience for you ahead of you making a booking.

MOST PEOPLE CAN USE OUR HIGH-END VR EQUIPMENT WITHOUT EXPERIENCING ANY DISCOMFORT AT ALL.  BUT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS - EITHER AT THE TIME OF USE OR AFTERWARDS.  BEFORE SIGNING THIS WAIVER AND ENTERING VIRTUAL REALITY, PLEASE CONSIDER HOW THESE SYMPTOMS MAY AFFECT YOU:

• Eye strain

• High volumes in the headphones (There is a volume control)

• Flickering screens and flashing images which could trigger underlying health conditions

• Motion sickness

• Equipment may affect some medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers etc.

• The equipment and media content of some experiences may affect those with pre-existing medical or mental health conditions

• May affect pregnant women adversely

• It is possible to feel claustrophobia, panic, or other phobias

• Objects in the real world may not be visible in the virtual world

• Objects in the virtual world may not exist in the real world

• Feelings of disorientation may be felt at the end of the experience

• Repeated use may exaggerate the effects above

Please stop use of the VR equipment if you feel any discomfort whatsoever.  If at any time you have any health & safety questions regarding your experiences at “The Mind Factory”, please ask a member of our team straightaway.  We recommend that you do not enter VR when tired, ill, hung-over, in pain, stressed or anxious in any way, as these factors can increase your risk of potential issues.  Strictly no alcohol or drugs before the game.  In case of alcohol or drug intoxication, your booking will be cancelled without a refund being offered.

I (or my child/dependent/minor) wish to use one of the virtual reality headsets and accessories at “The Mind Factory”.  I recognise and understand that the use of a VR headset involves certain risks.

1) I (or my child/dependent/minor) am using the VR equipment voluntarily

2) I assume all of the physical, psychological, and financial risks associated with use of VR equipment

3) By signing, I acknowledge that I have read and understood all of the terms of this release form and that I am voluntarily giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue Hurricane Sound Ltd or its employees

4) If the headset is being used by a child/dependent/minor] I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor named below. I have the legal right to consent on their behalf and, by signing below, I hereby do consent to the terms and conditions of this Release of Liability.

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I understand that I must sign this Release of Liability Waiver in person before using the equipment at any “The Mind Factory” location.

I am confirming that I am over 18 years of age and have read the above information and agree to the “The Mind Factory” Terms and Conditions.