There were plenty of new innovations from the manufacturers that exhibited at the show. Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights from each of the manufacturers:
Creative Works
Creative Works had many of their unique props and effects in several of the laser tag booths this year including their Adventure Quest, Space Quest and Urban Quest décor. They introduced their Cosmic Golf attraction add-on for laser tag sites as another profit center for operators and their new themes of Pharaoh and Earth Quest for laser tag arenas. For more information, visit www.thewoweffect.com
Darklight
The Darklight booth was full of animation as they unveiled their animatronics that they have available to their operators. Keith and Mary Schell, of Belleville Illinois, were there representing their gear and showing off a very attractive booth. Keith and Mary are long time Members with the ILTA and were excited about the direction their company was expanding. To learn more, visit www.darklight.co.uk
Delta Strike
Delta Strike rolled out their new Version 5.1 system, which provides a lighter, more durable pack for their three types of gear: DeltaMOBILE, DeltaFEC, and DeltaPRO. They also introduced their new DeltaWare Membership which offers a unique way to bring back repeat players, by offering a market-style system that allows players to store points that can be exchanged at their kiosks to upgrade things like phaser and vest abilities and formats. The DeltaWare game manager provides an easy way for operators to increase their throughput, by allowing multiple games to be played at the same time which is a big bonus for operators looking to make money. For more information, visit www.deltastrike.net
Laserforce
Laserforce announced their new clink phasers that can be mounted onto observation decks, offering another great way to make money from those people who are unable to play in any given mission. Laserforce’s new game software offers the operators greater customization of their games for their guests. As we talked with their representatives, they were very excited about the amount of throughput their systems are capable of, as it will be a huge benefit to generating profits to their operators and developing clients. Their booth also sported a nice lighted tower centerpiece as a new option in their arenas. For more information, visit www.laserforcetag.com
LaserTron
LaserTron’s booth looked impressive as they customized their layout in the design and feel of their arenas. This year, they rolled out their new LT11.5 software to make their operations even smoother. Some of the new features include more game formats, event driven handicapping and simultaneous game modes. For more information, visit www.laser-tron.com
Laser Blast
Laser Blast brought the adventure to their prospective clients with a jungle theme this year. Showcasing their new Basic Blast system, Laser Blast operators can now operate in mobile or smaller arenas without the need for a computer system at all! A nice feature about Basic Blast is that it’s still a great quality system with an easier control system. To learn more, visit www.laser-blast.com
Laser Mania
Laser Mania was on hand to show off their new phaser for their laser tag systems. A much more sleek, compact look to their system. To learn more, visit www.lasermania.com
Lazer Runner
Lazer Runner has upgraded their battery system so their packs can fully charge in less than 3 hours, and they offer new gaming software called the Lazer Runner Central Processing Unit, designed to make game management simpler. The Lazer Runner vests got an upgrade as well with more padding added to the vests to give them a nicer look. For more information, visit www.lazerrunner.com
Veqtor
Veqtor is getting ready to ramp up their marketing in the United States with a new cordless laser tag system. Developers will be interested to know that they can purchase the system three ways: Phaser-only appealing to many mobile operators, Vest-only for an interactive tag game called Tagway, or both combined for the more recognizable laser tag game format. The system is ultra-light as well, with the vest weighing in at a super-light 2.2 lbs. and the phaser at 1.5 lbs! The vests are also customizable to the wearer as they can easily alter the pack and straps to three different fits. To learn more, visit www.veqtor.co.uk
Zone Systems
Zone Systems introduced the high end version of their Nexus System product called NexusPRO. Some of the additional benefits of this system over their NexusFEC introduced last year include a new color LED display in the phaser, also called OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). Also, there was a dual mp3 system that allows the pack to give instructions while the phaser continues to generate separate sound effects. Other features include standard color changing vesting racks, clink phasers for observation areas and an in-game interactive device called a Game Station, which allows members to purchase special upgrades for their pack, both in-game or over the internet. For more information, visit www.zonelasertag.com
Steradian Technologies
Outdoor laser tag manufacturers had two great systems represented this year. The first was Steradian Technologies got to show off their new colors for their equipment, which now come in blue, red and green. They have also increased their range on their laser tag grenades and created a new ‘taggable’ target to help players increase scores and operators create new game formats. To learn more, visit www.steradiantech.com
Dupuis Laser Products
New to the outdoor laser tag market are the Holland-based Dupuis Laser Products which made their debut at this years IAAPA show. This company is off to a great start with a durable, great looking product (the Mantiz and Centipod system), friendly sales-reps, and a professional feel. For more information, visit www.mantiz.nl
