Golden Gloves VR is a virtual-reality boxing platform built to replicate real training and competition in a headset. In this interview we speak with Aaron Sloan, founder of Engine Room VR and creator of Golden Gloves VR, about building an authentic boxing experience from a non‑traditional tech background, and with Sage Rosario, a competitive boxer, about using the game as a training tool. The conversation covers design choices that preserve real boxing technique, how the game balances accessibility and competitiveness, and how VR fits into an athlete’s routine.
Aaron, what inspired you to build a VR boxing game, and how did your real‑world experience shape it?
I always had a fascination with tech, and back in 2014 I received a Google Cardboard headset as a sort of gag gift. It was really basic, but the experience of being somewhere else just by having a phone basically strapped to your head was enough to make me want to keep track of where the technology was headed. One of the biggest things I wanted to do to scale my Gym business was to start multiple locations and eventually adopt a franchising model. However, after one of my buildings burned to the ground, I realized the true difficulty of scaling a brick-and-mortar business. When the headsets went wireless with the launch of the first Oculus Quest, I had a realization that the technology was approaching the level where anything we were doing in the gym could probably be done in the headset, up to and including competition. We built Golden Gloves VR first to be a “Virtual Location” for people to train and compete no differently than if they were in a real gym. The rest of the game naturally grew from this principle, and when we got our multiplayer system dialed in we realized this platform could bring boxing competition to the millions of fitness boxers out there who wanted to participate in the sport but didn’t want to be hit.
As the official virtual training platform for USA Boxing, how did you ensure the game stayed authentic rather than becoming just another VR fitness app?
To make Golden Gloves VR’s partnership with USA Boxing work for the long haul, we needed a game that could not be disputed for accuracy when national prizes were at stake. To achieve this, we have incorporated anti-spamming and anti-slapping systems in the game that enforce proper boxing form and do not allow for exploits. Creating the perfect boxing damage system in VR is always going to be difficult, but after getting a few thousand boxers in the headset at USA and international events, we had the data required to make sure the right person wins each match.
How do you balance precision, stamina, and timing so the game is approachable for newcomers but still challenging for pros?
All sports require practice to be competitive, and Golden Gloves VR offers several ways to train before stepping into the ring for the first time. Our popular padwork minigame lets players work on their timing and boxing rhythm, and our AI opponents scale in difficulty as players progress. In multiplayer, you can work out with your friends to increase your stamina and experiment with different combinations in the sparring ring. Sparring allows you to see how much damage you deal and receive without risking your record, and is a great way for newcomers to get acclimated. The ecosystem of the game itself has everything you need to get better at playing it, and we also plan to release “How to Box” content in the very near future.
Hearing Aaron explain the design priorities and authenticity goals, we turned to Sage Rosario to see how those choices land with a real boxer — whether Golden Gloves VR feels like training, and where it complements or surprises traditional gym work.
Sage, what was your first reaction to Golden Gloves VR? Did it feel like a natural extension of your gym workouts?
At first I was honestly curious and a little skeptical because I’m so used to the regular gym work like pads, sparring, and heavy bag rounds. But once I got into it, I was surprised by how quickly it felt like a real training session. It definitely felt like a natural extension of my regular workouts because you still have to stay active, react fast, and stay disciplined with your movement. The biggest thing for me was how engaged you stay the entire time. It’s not something you can do halfway. It kept my heart rate up and made me focus on timing, pace, and staying sharp, which is what I look for in a good training tool. It was also a lifesaver when I needed a workout in my hotel during the train up for the actual Golden Gloves. I could just throw it on and get an intense workout in my room.
Which real‑boxing elements translate best to VR, and what surprised you?
It did surprise me as a boxer, especially with Golden Gloves VR. A lot of the fundamentals translate really well, especially footwork, reaction time, punch selection, and staying composed while you’re tired. It rewards clean work and consistency, which is exactly how real boxing is.
What surprised me most was how much it challenges your conditioning and mental focus. You have to stay locked in because it’s fast, it pushes your pace, and it forces you to stay aware of what’s coming at you. I also liked that it’s a way to get extra reps in without always needing a partner or a full gym setup.
How do you use Golden Gloves VR in your training – technique, conditioning, or mental focus?
I use Golden Gloves VR as a mix of conditioning and mental focus. It’s great for getting quality work in on days where I want to stay sharp, break a sweat, and still train my reactions. I’ll do it like a round-based workout, almost like boxing rounds, and use it as an additional tool alongside my regular training.
It helps with rhythm, staying active, and keeping my mind focused, especially when I’m fatigued. I still rely on my main boxing training in the gym, but I like that Golden Gloves VR adds something different and keeps training fun while still being competitive and challenging. Also, regular boxing can come with a lot of injuries. With Golden Gloves VR PVP, it takes the hurt hands and black eyes out of it but keeps the intense workout and the competitive nature of boxing in place.
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