The Battle Start franchise and Metaforce VR Arena use the same basic model: free-roam VR games licensed by subscription, with no royalty. Battle Start publishes two formats, MINI and ARENA, with a startup investment from $25,000 and $50,000 [1]; a franchise directory lists the game subscription at $7,400 and $12,900 per year [2]. This page compares the two using public sources checked in October 2026.
We are Metaforce, so this comparison is not written by a neutral party. Every statement about Battle Start below links to a public source, and where a figure is not public, we say so.
What is Battle Start?
Battle Start describes itself as a developer of free-roam VR games for the entertainment industry, with competitive and team games and non-aggressive games for children and families [1]. Its website reports 450+ arenas in 40+ countries and "155 game scenarios on a subscription basis" [1]. A franchise directory lists the company as founded in 2021, with franchising since 2022, and 4WARD SIA as the information provider [2].
How much does the Battle Start franchise cost?
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | None | [2] |
| Royalty | None; games are licensed by subscription | [2] |
| Game subscription, MINI | $7,400 per year (up to 8 players, 60+ m² play area) | [2] (third party) |
| Game subscription, ARENA | $12,900 per year (up to 20 players, 150+ m² play area) | [2] (third party) |
| Startup investment, MINI | From $25,000 | [1] |
| Startup investment, ARENA | From $50,000 | [1][3] |
| Payback | 9–12 months, as stated by the company | [1] |
According to the directory listing, the subscription includes software with 34 games, two new games a year, server maintenance, updates and technical support, plus a financial model, launch guides, marketing and design materials, a website for the arena and a personal manager [2]. The startup investment covers rent, renovation, equipment, staff hiring and the subscription [2].
What does a Battle Start arena need?
From Battle Start's own pages [1][3]:
- MINI: 60+ m² play area, 8–10 players.
- ARENA: 150+ m² play area, 200+ m² in total with a 50+ m² lounge and reception, up to 20 players.
- Equipment in the ARENA package: one VR headset per player, one Android tablet and one router; the page also lists a customer experience manager and 3–4 game operators [3].
- Headset models: not stated on the pages we checked.
Battle Start vs Metaforce VR Arena: side by side
| Battle Start | Metaforce VR Arena | |
|---|---|---|
| Business model | Game subscription, no royalty, no franchise fee [2] | Game subscription, no royalty, no franchise fee, no marketing fee |
| Subscription price | $7,400 per year (MINI, up to 8 players) or $12,900 per year (ARENA, up to 20 players), per a directory listing [2] | $4,990 / 6 months, $7,990 / 12 months, $14,990 / 24 months, then $799 per month, taxes included; one price for any venue size |
| Startup investment | From $25,000 (MINI), from $50,000 (ARENA) [1] | From RUB 2.5 million for arenas in Russia (venue, renovation and equipment, paid by the partner) |
| Players per game | 8–10 (MINI), up to 20 (ARENA) [1] | 4–20 per game; how many play at once depends on the venue |
| Space | 60+ m² (MINI), 150+ m² play area / 200+ m² total (ARENA) [1][3] | 50–300 m² play area; 100–700 m² total venue |
| Content | 34 games in the subscription, 2 new games a year [2]; "155 game scenarios" [1] | 5 in-house games (TeamForce, StarForce, Elevators, Portals, Mini Games), Zombies coming soon |
| Content updates | 2 new games a year [2] | New maps or games every 6 months, included |
| Maps for the venue | Not stated | Maps rebuilt around the exact layout of each venue |
| Equipment | Headset per player, tablet and router in the ARENA package [3] | Buy from any supplier; compatible headsets include Meta Quest 2/3/3S, PICO 4 and PICO 4 Ultra |
| Payback | 9–12 months, as stated [1] | From about one year for arenas in Russia |
| Network | 450+ arenas, 40+ countries [1] | 30+ arenas in 4 countries |
Metaforce figures come from our own franchise terms. Battle Start figures come from the sources listed below.
What is the difference in practice?
Both brands avoid royalties, so the comparison comes down to the subscription and the format:
- Subscription price. For an arena of up to 20 players, the directory listing gives $12,900 a year for Battle Start [2]; Metaforce VR Arena costs $7,990 for 12 months, taxes included, for any venue size.
- Group size. Battle Start splits its offer into a smaller MINI for 8–10 players and an ARENA for up to 20 [1]. Metaforce games take 4 to 20 players on one subscription; the number that plays at once depends on the size of your arena.
- Content. Battle Start lists a large catalogue [1][2]. Metaforce has a shorter list of in-house games and rebuilds the maps around the layout of each venue.
With the franchise package, Metaforce partners also get a website, the network CRM and a marketing kit; launch support, staff training, a knowledge base and a manager are part of the subscription. When the subscription ends, access to the games stops and the equipment stays with the partner.
FAQ
Does Battle Start charge a royalty?
No. According to a franchise directory listing, Battle Start charges no franchise fee and no royalty; its games are licensed by subscription.
How much is the Battle Start subscription?
A franchise directory lists $7,400 per year for MINI (up to 8 players) and $12,900 per year for ARENA (up to 20 players). Confirm current prices with the company.
How much does it cost to open a Battle Start arena?
Battle Start states a startup investment from $25,000 for MINI and from $50,000 for ARENA.
How much space does Battle Start need?
From 60 m² for MINI and from 150 m² of play area (200+ m² in total) for ARENA.
How is Metaforce VR Arena different?
Both brands sell games by subscription with no royalty. Metaforce has one price for any venue size, $7,990 for 12 months, taxes included, 4–20 players per game, maps rebuilt around each venue, and equipment you can buy from any supplier.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Figures about Battle Start are taken from the sources below and may change; always confirm current terms with the company.
- Battle Start, official website: https://battlestart.com/
- TopFranchise, "BATTLE START — free-roam VR arena franchise" (third-party directory): https://topfranchise.com/products/battle-start/
- Battle Start, ARENA package: https://battlestart.com/arena