Gaming and working out never used to have anything in common.

Eric Janszen and Eric Malafeew are changing all that.

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They’re the co-founders of Cambridge-based virtual reality game startup VirZOOM, Inc.  And their new virtual-reality stationary bike, the “VirZOOM”, has formerly sedentary gamers lining up to try it.  (Then, those gamers get back in line,  to ride again!)

Eric and Eric developed the VirZOOM with thirty different virtual-reality games.  Pedaling the bike, riders can be on a car racetrack, in the Old West on horseback–or even riding Pegasus above the trees. Riders also compete against other racers, gather gems, earn faster horses and so forth.  (So much for workouts being “boring”!)

At CES® 2016 in Las Vegas, the two Erics talked about the experience of creating the VirZOOM, and how their different backgrounds (Eric Janszen has a background in finance, while Eric Malafeew is a game designer) contributed to the success of their innovation.

On this edition of Over Coffee®, you’ll hear:

• What first inspired Eric and Eric to create their new virtual-reality bike;

• Some of what riders experience as they’re pedaling;

• How Eric and Eric have seen the virtual-reality field evolve;

• The virtual-reality problem tbey had to solve to make the VirZOOM a workable product;

• How Eric Janszen’s business expertise enabled them to create a viable business model with a completely new product;

• The research that went into making the VirZOOM successful;

• When and where the new virtual-reality bike is available;

• Each creator’s biggest creative challenges in this particular venture;

• Their vision for the future with their VR bike;

• Resources and advice for fellow makers from their experiences on this particular venture.