Laser tag

Laser tag is a team or individual sport where players attempt to score points by engaging targets, typically with a hand-held infrared-emitting tagger. Infrared-sensitive targets are commonly worn by opposing players and sometimes integrated within a specialized laser tag arena. Since its birth in 1979, Laser tag has evolved into both indoor and outdoor styles of play and includes simulations of combat, role play-style games, and competitive sporting events with tactical configurations and precise game goals.

The computerized targeting device wielded by a player commonly emits a brief infrared beam, which normally carries an identifying signal, and the sensors worn by other players or mounted in fixtures record the signal when they are "tagged". In many cases the targeting device also contains a low-power visible laser, to assist the player in aiming and to create ambiance. At a glance, laser tag may appear similar to paintball and other simulation-shooting or targeting sports, but it is notable that laser tag is both highly processor-dependent and exceptionally versatile in game play. Most laser tag equipment may be used for one style of play, rules, timing and goals, known as a game format, then switched rapidly to another game format. Differences can include switching from solo to team play, or from direct player interaction to siege-style rules, with the software altering both general game play and equipment behavior. Many modern laser tag systems allow for different characteristics to be applied on a per-individual basis, based on game progress or personal in-game adjustment, allowing for even greater customization.

Laser tag requires specialized, sturdy electronics, and usually requires computing power and unique software for scoring. Proprietary equipment is created by a large number of manufacturers. Some supply everything from personal equipment to interactive arena components such as "mines" or "bases", and even physical arena construction. Recently, open specifications for creating home brew laser tag equipment (e.g., EWoW, MilesTag) have been embraced, not only by hobbyists, but by some manufacturers.

Laser tag is popular with a wide range of ages. Laser tag is considered to be less painful than paintball due to the lack of a physical projectile, while indoor versions may be considered less physically demanding because many indoor venues prohibit running or roughhousing. At this time there are no known professional laser tag players. There are amateur tournaments in several countries, featuring one or, occasionally, multiple laser tag systems.

History

In late 1970s and early 1980s, the United States Army developed and deployed a system using infrared beams for combat training. The MILES system functions like laser tag in that beams are "fired" into receivers that score hits. Similar systems are now manufactured by several companies and used by various armed forces around the world.

The first known toy to use infrared light and a corresponding sensor was manufactured and marketed in 1979 as the Star Trek Electronic Phaser Guns set., though this system did not keep any type of score and players could not be "tagged out."

In 1982, George Carter III began the process of designing an arena-based system for playing a scored version of the game, a possibility which had initially occurred to him in 1977 while watching the movie Star Wars. He opened the first Photon center in Dallas, Texas in 1984 and as a result is generally credited as the originator of the sport in its arena based form. Players could come to one of the centers (there were as many as 45 operational in the US in the mid-1980s) and compete against each other, but the equipment was not sold in stores.

In 1986, the first Photon toys hit the market, nearly simultaneously with the Lazer Tag toys from Worlds of Wonder and several other similar infrared and visible light based toys. The Christmas season of 1986 was the real beginning of home laser tag, and soon millions of kids would be playing laser tag with each other anyplace they could. Worlds of Wonder went out of business around 1988, and Photon soon followed in 1989, as the fad of the games wore off. Today there are laser tag arenas all over the world bearing various names and brands, as well as a large variety of consumer equipment for home play and professional grade equipment for outdoor laser tag arenas and businesses.

Arenas, Playing Fields, and Organizations

Laser Tag is played in many various places. There are many laser tag arenas, or 'urban battlefields' around, such as LASERNATION in Virginia,LASERTRON in New York, and Laser Storm in Pittsburgh, and Lazer Gate in Massachusetts, and Laser Quest, where players of all ages may compete. Some facilities hold laser tag parties, too. Battlefields in the bush are usually put along with "Camo" hire for extra camouflage. Outdoor battlefields can range from Snow to Desert terrain to woodland and rugged bushland. Lasertag can be played in the rain. Many facilities offer a mobile solution; they will bring their laser tag equipment to your site. Many sites offer this option, such as Quinte Laser Tag in Ontario, Canada or 1st Slovak Laser-Tag sport club in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Game mechanics

Laser tag systems vary widely in their technical capabilities and their applications. The game mechanics in laser tag are closely linked to the hardware used, the communication capabilities of the system, the embedded software that runs the equipment, the integration between the player's equipment and devices in the facility, the environment, and the configuration of the software that runs the equipment.

The resulting game play mechanics can result in anything from the highly realistic combat simulation used by the military to far fetched scenarios inspired by science fiction and video games.

Rate of fire, objectives, effects of being "tagged", and other parameters can often be altered on the fly to provide for varied game play.

Tactical Missions

Along with death matches, where one team tries to get the members of the other team "out", many laser tag venues hold "tactical missions". These tactical missions are usually comprised of various objectives and missions. Capture the flag is a more popular tactical mission. This where a player steals the opponents flag and takes it back to their own base in order to score a point or win the match (depending on score system). Another popular tactical mission is protect the VIP. The team with the VIP must hide and conceal him for 10 - 30 minutes while the opposing team tries to assassinate the VIP within the given time limit.

Equipment and Technology

At their core, laser tag systems typically use infrared signaling to track firing of the laser. In indoor play, a visible laser combined with theatrical fog typically provide the visual effect of firing, while having no actual role in transmitting the fire signal.

In all but the most basic of systems, the infrared signal sent by the laser when it fires is encoded with information such as the identity of the pack from which it originated. This coding allows for scoring and may also act to discourage interference from unauthorized devices in the playing area.

Indoor equipment

Indoor laser tag is typically played in a darkened arena run by a commercial laser tag operator. The packs are tightly integrated with the devices inside the arena. The arena devices, and the packs themselves may be linked into a control computer for scoring and control over game parameters.

The dimensions of an indoor laser tag arena makes for close quarters, so there is a large design focus on performance and game play under these conditions.

The design of indoor laser tag equipment means that performance suffers dramatically when used in bright lighting, or at longer ranges than that found in the arenas they are designed to be used in. Use of the equipment outside of the arena may also be impossible or impractical due to requirements for computer control.

Outdoor equipment

Outdoor equipment requires different design concerns from indoor equipment. The equipment is generally expected to function well at longer ranges, even in daylight, so higher output power and specially designed optics are often a requirement. The scenarios for outdoor laser tag often approximate real-world combat, so durability and replication of actual weapon appearance and qualities is also a concern.

Gun Types and care

The guns used in laser tag can range from small handgun-sized taggers to larger rifle-sized units with sights or scopes. Some venues offer a variety of different equipment you can attempt to "Eliminate" the enemy with. Some venues may have "mines" installed in the arena or play field, which emit infrared lasers in a broad path after being activated by a player. Additionally, some tactical-style games involve a special arena feature called a "base" that functions similarly to a mine. Tagging equipment designed for outdoor use is generally water and soil resistant.

External links

• Laser Nation
• Laser Quest
• International Laser Tag Association
• List of LaserTag systems and manufacturers @ TRUTNEE LaserTag Portal