Laser Game, Laser Tag, indoors or outdoors: explanations
What is Laser Tag? What exactly is it? And are they the same thing? If you're asking yourself these questions, you've come to the right place. Laser Tag is a fun activity where players compete using laser guns and electronic sensors. But between indoor and outdoor Laser Tag , and the various scenario options , it's not always easy to know what to expect. So, how does Laser Tag work? What's the difference between Laser Tag and indoor Laser Tag? Who can participate? And is it better to play indoors or outdoors ? We'll explain everything.
Definition of Laser Game: what exactly is it?
Laser tag is a team game where participants compete using laser guns equipped with electronic sensors . The objective? To score as many points as possible by hitting the sensors of opposing players, while avoiding being hit yourself.
Many people wonder if Laser Tag is dangerous . The answer is no: unlike paintball or airsoft, no projectiles are fired . The guns or rifles use a completely harmless infrared beam.
It is also one of the few games where you can eliminate your friends, colleagues or family members without lasting diplomatic consequences…
Beyond the fun aspect, Laser Tag requires several skills: observation, communication, strategy, and sometimes even stealth. At least, that's the theory… In practice, there's often at least one player who decides to run across the field in the open, shouting " Follow me! "… usually during the first thirty seconds of the game.
It's precisely this blend of action, strategy, and good humor that explains the success of Laser Tag with children, teenagers, and adults. You don't need to be an athlete or a skilled tactician: the most important thing is to have fun and share a good time.
Laser Game and Laser Tag: what's the difference?
You may have already heard of Laser Game and Laser Tag and wondered if they are two different activities. Quick answer: in the vast majority of cases, these two terms refer to exactly the same game.
The principle is the same: two (or more) teams compete using infrared launchers and try to hit their opponents' sensors to score points.
So why two different names? Simply because several manufacturers and brands have developed their own versions of the game over the years. The term Laser Tag is generally considered the generic name for the activity , while Laser Game has become extremely popular with the general public, particularly in France.
Today, the two expressions are often used interchangeably . In fact, if you ask ten players to explain the difference, there's a good chance that eight of them will answer: " No idea, but when are we playing? "
The real difference between Laser Game and Laser Tag doesn't lie in the various ways to play them. But before going into detail, let's look at how a game actually unfolds.
How does a laser tag game work?
What does the briefing and equipment consist of?
A game of Laser Tag always begins with a briefing . The goal? To explain the rules of the game, how the equipment works, and the safety instructions. Even though the principle is simple, it's best to be able to distinguish an opponent from a teammate before heading into battle.
Next comes the equipment . Depending on the organization, the gear can vary: some use headbands or sensors, others vests, chest protectors, or sensors integrated directly into the launcher. But in all cases, the goal remains the same: to hit your opponents' sensors to score points.
Once you're equipped, let the game begin!
What are the different game scenarios?
A game of Laser Tag can take different forms :
- team match;
- every man for himself in arena mode;
- basic capture;
- defense of an area;
- elimination.
How to win a game of Laser Tag?
During the game, each successful shot earns points . Conversely, being hit can result in a loss of points or a temporary deactivation of your launcher for a few seconds. Yes, just a few seconds… but when you're being chased by three opponents, it can feel like an eternity!
At the end of the round , the scores are displayed , revealing the winners. It's usually at this point that everyone discovers that the most reserved person in the group has finished first, while the one who announced their victory before the activity even began often ends up much lower in the rankings…
How long does a game of Laser Tag last?
Most games last around 10 minutes . On paper, that might seem very short. In reality, ten minutes of running, hiding, outmaneuvering your opponents, and devising strategies worthy of a great military leader is more than enough to get your heart pumping!
This is precisely why many providers offer several rounds in a row, interspersed with well-deserved breaks . Two 10-minute games often allow players to fully enjoy the experience, while also giving them the opportunity to redeem themselves after a first round that was sometimes… eventful.
Who can play Laser Tag?
Good news: Laser Tag is probably one of the most accessible group activities . Contrary to popular belief, it's not just for elite athletes, hyperactive teenagers, or professional video game players. In fact, almost anyone can participate and have fun, provided they choose a package suited to their age and preferences.
Do you need to be athletic to play Laser Tag?
Absolutely not.
Laser tag is primarily based on observation, strategy, communication, and the ability to make the right decisions at the right time. Of course, the most dynamic players may have an advantage in certain situations, but running around everywhere isn't necessarily the best tactic.
In fact, in most games, the player who finishes at the top of the leaderboard isn't always the one who has covered the most kilometers. It's often the one who has managed to remain discreet, observe their opponents, and choose the right moment to act.
Therefore, everyone can play at their own pace:
- in "stealth commando" mode, hidden behind a tree;
- in strategist mode, coordinating his team;
- or in a more offensive mode for those who like action.
The main thing is to participate and have fun!
From what age can you play Laser Tag?
The minimum age depends on the equipment used and the service providers. Generally, Laser Tag is accessible from 6 or 7 years old.
At Extérieur Nature, outdoor Laser Tag is offered from age 7 , making it an ideal activity for:
- families;
- birthdays;
- groups of friends;
- leisure centers.
The rules are easy to understand and the equipment is suitable for young children. After a few minutes of explanation, most children are perfectly independent.
And between us, it often happens that younger players grasp the game faster than adults. The latter sometimes tend to develop extremely sophisticated strategies… which fall apart within the first few seconds of the game.
This is one of the reasons why Laser Tag is so popular with families and groups of friends . It's an activity accessible to almost all ages, where children, teenagers, and adults can play together, each according to their own style and energy level.
Indoor Laser Game or Outdoor Laser Game: what's the difference?
While the principle remains the same, the gaming experience can be very different depending on whether you choose an indoor or outdoor Laser Tag.
In both cases, the objective is to hit your opponents' sensors with an infrared launcher to score points. But the playing field, the atmosphere, and the strategies are often completely different. We explain everything in a handy table.
Table of differences:
| Indoor Laser Tag | Outdoor Laser Tag |
|---|---|
|
Darkened room with fluorescent lights |
Land in the heart of nature
|
|
Artificial decorations |
Trees, natural obstacles and terrain
|
|
Space is generally limited |
Larger playing field
|
|
The atmosphere is similar to a video game. |
Immersive and adventurous atmosphere |
|
Often very fast parts |
More strategy and movement
|
|
Hidden spaces |
Natural hiding places |
So which one to choose?
Indoor laser tag is often what most people imagine when they hear about this activity: a dark room, colored lights, music and an atmosphere reminiscent of certain video games or science fiction films.
Outdoor laser tag , on the other hand, is generally played in a natural environment. Trees, bushes, terrain, and obstacles then become integral parts of the game. Matches are therefore more immersive and offer greater tactical possibilities.
For many players, the main difference lies here: in an indoor Laser Tag arena , you play in a setting created specifically for the game. In an outdoor Laser Tag arena , the playing field itself becomes the setting.
To sum it up: indoor laser tag is a bit like a life-sized video game. Outdoor laser tag , on the other hand, gives you a much more immersive experience.
And between us, hiding behind a centuries-old tree is usually a tad more charming than hiding behind a pink fluorescent sign. Even if, by the time the opposing team spots you, the result is often exactly the same. 😄
Where can I play Laser Tag in the Pyrénées-Orientales?
If you want to discover Laser Tag in the Pyrénées-Orientales , Extérieur Nature welcomes you to Marquixanes, just a few minutes from Prades and less than 30 minutes from Perpignan.
Here, there are no dark rooms or fluorescent lights. Games take place on a 1,600 m² wooded area , specially designed to offer an immersive experience in the heart of nature . Trees, natural obstacles, and hiding places are integral to the game and allow for all sorts of strategies… more or less effective depending on your team's skills.
Accessible from age 7 , Extérieur Nature's outdoor Laser Game is perfect for families, friends, birthdays , bachelor /bachelorette parties , or team building . Several scenarios are available to keep the experience fresh with each game.
Still hesitating? The easiest way is to try it. After a few minutes of play, even the most skeptical usually end up running from tree to tree trying to escape their own children.
Want to try the adventure? Discover our outdoor Laser Tag activity and book your next game now.
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