Here’s the Ticket!
Laser Tag is rapidly solidifying the #2 overall most popular FEC attraction. [Bowling has the #1 spot]. Over the past five years the top laser tag manufacturers have been concentrating on improving their hardware and software products with innovations such as longer battery life, less expensive and lighter batteries, improved phasers, lighter weight and more durable vests, wireless recharging stations, new game versions, player ID linked to vest for each visit, and the list goes on. Less cost and longer lasting LED lighting is now taking the place of fluorescent black light. Over the next few years, we expect to see many new improvements to the arenas, similar to what we experience in movie theaters. With the cost of the projectors decreasing and new technologies, 3D video mapping is now a practical reality.
Below are some of the latest innovations of the laser tag companies we met with at Bowl Expo:
Laserforce (120+ sites) now has an inexpensive inflatable Zap Tag System in different sizes from 500 sq. ft. to 2000 sq. ft. that is good for indoor (can go over bowling lanes) or outdoor. It takes about 1 hour to set up and uses a laptop for the scoring and management programs. The floor is solid and safe to play on.
Gen 7 Supernova products now have ‘Zombies vs. Survivors’ where a player can turn into a Zombie and switch teams. The Gen 7 vests are now lighter, have 48-hour battery life, and high quality customized stereo sound FX options. A vest ‘shut down’ system is in place if the player abuses the vest or repeatedly runs too fast. Another Gen 7 feature is the use of Proximity Cards where players place their card to the front of their vest to log themselves into the game. The card has all of the player’s statistics and can be pre-loaded with debits to speed up game plays.
Laserforce has patented a software application that monitors your laser tag equipment and then reports on what needs to be done, going as far as reporting whether staff have been following procedures or not. The ‘Engineering Deck’ report is scheduled for automatic emailing to technicians, managers and owners.
For more information go to www.laserforcetag.com or click on the Laserforce ad.
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LaserBlast is introducing a lightweight phaser only (no vest needed) for smaller children. The cost is about 50% of a vest system and can be used with an arena as small as 500 sq. ft. The phaser has several sensors (vests usually have 15 sensors) and two hands must be placed on it for the phaser to operate. Laser Blast also has a wireless vest recharging station and lithium batteries that are good for 2000 charging cycles (2-4 times that of previous batteries).
For more information go to www.laser-blast.com or click on the LaserBlast ad.
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LazerRunner (700+ sites) reports that they are mostly doing multi-level arenas with a 3000 sq. ft. 1st level and 1000 sq. ft. 2nd level. Their new upgraded hybrid arena costs about half of the cost of a new arena and can be installed with any arena at a cost of $12-$15/ sq. ft.
For more information go to www.lazerrunner.com or click on the Lazer Runner logo.
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Zone Laser Tag-Nexus (725+ locations) has a new Game Station arena terminal that recognizes each player’s vest and provides fun power ups for shields, invincibility, and the ability to change your pack color for a short amount of time. Other features include a special assination assignment where you can try to tag a specific player and score bonus points and only allowing one vest (could be the birthday child’s vest) access to the special power ups.
Check out the video: http://nexuslasertag.com/laser-tag-options/game-station
For more information go to www.zonelasertag.com or click on the Zone ad.
