Here’s the Ticket
I am a big fan of noticing new technologies and how they are used in our industry and more importantly how they can affect our industry, both positively and negatively. Here is a brief summary of those that caught my eye over the past two months:
Laser Tag. The current trend in laser tag has been to improve the experience of the arena and bring in 3D projection technology, advanced sound and motion, and other senses technology. While this trend continues, TRR also notes a trend of laser tag systems incorporating several video game technologies. Recently Zone Laser Tag has patent approval for what they call Achievements, Reward Points, and Z-Cred for laser tag and tactical laser tag. Laserforce utilizes Proxicards that use RFID technology to provide quick access into games, automatic handicapping, as well as skill-based, experienced-based and achievement-based leveling systems.
With Zone’s system, a player is awarded points for accomplishing missions or challenges within the game that are not a part of the individual or team score. These include total games played at home base laser tag facility and at other Zone system locations, interactions with communication kiosks, and even points for participating in social media promotions. Points can be used to upgrade powers, obtain special weapons, and acquire stealth capability (and even change teams like double agents). Z-Creds permit the player to purchase special weapons and features that are normally not on the points list. Z-Creds can only be cashed in at the facility that they were purchased at. By choosing the days and times Z-Creds can be used, gives the operator the ability to increase play during slow times during the week.
Laserforce’s system awards players with a badge on the player’s stat kiosk, updates to Facebook and provides an amount of XP points towards the players experience level. Special abilities and weapons can be unlocked for use in the game and points can be used to personalize their battlesuit and weapondry. Automotic handicapping provides a challenge to regulars and protection for beginners. After each mission, players can swipe their Proxicards at a stat kiosk to view their statistics and achievement and see if they have unlocked any special abilities.
What this could mean. It means that laser tag will remain a top industry attraction for many years to come. Zone and Laserforce have raised the bar and the laser tag industry will continue to evolve. It also means that laser tag systems, to remain competitive, will need to be upgraded or changed out after a few years of each major technology jump cycle. This is more challenging than making small improvements to the arena each year but on the positive side, the pressure to increase the arena size can be overcome through technology.
For more information go to www.zonelasertag.com and go to www.laserforcetag.com.
