Laser tag is an exciting and immersive game that is attracting an ever-growing audience. Armed with a chest protector and a laser gun, two teams compete against each other. The goal? To accumulate as many points as possible by hitting your opponents’ targets without getting hit yourself. When a player is hit, they are frozen for a few seconds and cannot attack or be attacked. At the end of the match, the team with the most points wins!
Outdoor laser tag: a life-size immersion experience
Unlike traditional indoor laser tag games, outdoor laser tag offers a unique experience with a life-size setting dotted with obstacles made of wood, straw bales or other elements of the landscape. This variant offers greater freedom of movement and a much larger playing field, making the experience much more realistic, requiring more sustained physical effort and providing an unrivalled feeling of freedom.
A brief look back
Laser tag originated in the 1970s, inspired by technologies developed by the US military, which created the MILES system for combat training. This system uses infrared beams to simulate gunfire. In 1984, the first shopping centre dedicated to laser tag, Photon, opened in Dallas, Texas.
It was a resounding success, and the activity has continued to grow worldwide, adopting new, more precise technologies and more comfortable, lightweight equipment.
The world’s largest laser game!
The world’s largest laser tag arena, ‘The Edge’, is located in Belleville, Illinois, USA. This 1,300 m² gaming space is spread over several levels and can accommodate up to 60 people at a time! Participants venture into a futuristic setting inspired by Pandora (the world of Avatar), offering a unique and immersive experience.
Various game modes are available in the arena, such as ‘Capture the Flag’, “Infection” and ‘Highlander’. These game modes are suitable for all ages and levels of experience.
A rapidly expanding business
Laser tag is currently enjoying huge success and is constantly evolving, with new trends enriching the gaming experience. Here are some of the most popular versions!
1. Outdoor laser tag
Outdoor laser tag is experiencing considerable growth. This type of game allows players to enjoy a natural environment and a larger setting, often in specially designed areas or directly in the woods! The challenge of the outdoor environment, combined with the use of increasingly powerful technologies, makes the experience even more immersive.
One example is the Fontdouce Adventure Park in Charente-Maritime, which offers outdoor laser tag in wooded areas. Different game modes are also available for even more fun!
2. Augmented reality and new technologies
More and more advanced technologies, such as augmented reality, are being incorporated into modern laser tag equipment, allowing players to see visual elements superimposed on the real world! For example, interactive scenery or virtual missions can be integrated into the game, creating a more immersive experience. This allows for more diverse game modes and increasingly complex challenges.
3. Virtual reality laser tag
Another significant development is the use of virtual reality in laser tag. Players are immersed in a virtual world where the scenery and enemies are entirely computer-generated. These experiences are often combined with motion tracking equipment and VR headsets, making the game even more interactive and exciting.
4. Themed games and immersive scenarios
Laser tag games are offering more and more themed scenarios and immersive missions. For example, games inspired by science fiction films or popular video games, where players take on the role of heroes or explorers in a specific universe. The aim is simple: to break away from the traditional format in order to offer a deeper story and greater immersion. Dynamic sounds, changing lights and special effects accompany the scenarios.
5. Gamelab and personalised immersive experiences
Some laser tag centres have adopted the ‘Gamelab’ concept. This is a principle whereby players can create and customise their own missions and scenarios. This option allows for a personalised experience that can be adapted to the players’ wishes. Participants can thus organise tailor-made events for groups, whether for birthdays, stag/hen parties, or group activities.
6. Partnerships with popular films and series
Another strong trend is collaboration with popular film or television franchises, such as Star Wars, The Walking Dead, or Halo. These partnerships allow laser tag centres to create themed events where players can experience adventures in the worlds they love. These experiences often feature appropriate scenery, costumes, and missions inspired by the film’s universe.
But then, why all the hype?
The success of laser tag is based on several key factors:
• Strategy: it’s not enough to rush around aimlessly. Each session requires a genuine tactical strategy, teamwork and a keen sense of direction. It’s a demanding team game, where you learn to anticipate your opponent’s moves.
• Adrenaline: the pace is fast, the matches are lively and captivating. The atmosphere, often enhanced by sound effects and unique scenery (nature, ruins, forest, etc.), intensifies the tension and adrenaline.
• Accessibility: anyone aged 6 or over can take part! Whether with family, friends or colleagues, this is an intergenerational activity that does not require any specific physical fitness.
• The entertaining and stress-relieving aspect: ideal for letting off steam, having fun and releasing tension. Laser tag offers a moment of genuine, carefree enjoyment.
• No skills required: you don’t need to be an athlete or an experienced gamer to enjoy yourself. The rules are easy to understand, it’s quick to learn, and everyone can find their own position.
• Safety: with no projectiles, no physical contact and regulated by rules, laser tag is a safe alternative to traditional confrontational games.
• The social aspect: it promotes communication, collaboration and shared moments. Perfect for strengthening relationships within a group, whether for a birthday, a stag or hen party, or a team-building activity.
• Immersion: through diverse scenarios, modern equipment and often spectacular settings (especially outdoors), participants experience an authentic adventure on a grand scale.
Laser tag, which combines action, strategy and fun, continues to attract young and old alike. Safe, open to all and truly captivating, it offers an entertaining interlude where you can burn off energy while having fun, either alone or in a team. Whether indoors or outdoors, it is currently one of the most popular leisure activities.
How about trying an even more exciting version? The Fontdouce Adventure Park in Charente-Maritime invites you to discover the world of outdoor laser tag: a green environment, diverse stories and a friendly atmosphere await you. A unique activity not to be missed on your next outing with family or friends!
