A Bronx video game designer’s first-of-its-kind video game boxing league is bound to be a ‘knockout’ with gamers.
Pelham Bay native Mario Simone has launched the first-ever virtual reality boxing esports league, ‘The Boxing Apocalypse Virtual Fight Club.’
The arcade style VR combat game, ‘Boxing Apocalypse,’ created by Simone and published by his LA-based production company, Gotham City Films, is a virtual reality boxing simulator that allows two players to battle head to head in a virtual arena in a bare-knuckle boxing style.
Players use VR headsets to allow themselves to become fully immersed in Boxing Apocalypse’s fast-paced, action-packed gameplay.
An avid gamer, Simone recently played in a Fortnite Tournament at HyperX esports arena during his trip to Las Vegas.
He was inspired to evolve a popular sport like boxing and bring it into a virtual competitive arena for all types of people to compete without injury.
“It’s really a great way to bring the masses together to have them share in the excitement of fighting,” he expressed.
Esports refers to a form of competition using video games between professional players, individually or in teams.
In the current decade, esports have become a significant factor in the video game industry with many developers consciously designing their games toward a professional esports subculture.
Fans can currently test their pugilistic skills and join a team at the e-league’s first official location, Sportime USA at 380 Saw Mill River Road in Elmsford, NY.
Boxing Apocalypse will be installed at FunFuzion at 29 Lecount Place in New Rochelle, NY in late June.
Simone is also working with Caesars in Atlantic City to open an additional e-league there this summer.
Each location sets its own price for players to play the game, most of them charging between $8 to $10 per person, per fight.
Anyone can visit any location with a Boxing Apocalypse arcade machine and register for a monthly membership.
Packages are established by each location, but usually include practice time and tournament competition.
Each location sets its own general guidelines, however anyone 10-years-old and older are welcome to play.
Sportime USA will host weekly competitions and prize giveaways starting in June.
The Boxing Apocalypse Virtual Fight Club will soon be available at local arcades, bowling alleys, family fun centers, casinos and additional nationwide locations.
The professional esports league is expected to be added in the next 12 to 18 months and will allow esports professional and regulated fighters to compete.
Simone is planning to have tournaments held at each location with the winners advancing to the nationwide competition.
The professional league will be available for sports betting at legal sports betting locations throughout the nation.
All e-league updates, new locations and tournaments will be announced on its Instagram page @boxingapocalypse.
