The Game

Lasertag systems vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and centre to centre, but usually consist of a tagging device, which may or may not resemble some sort of handheld gun. The tagging device emits a laser beam, and usually one infrared (IR) beam as well, which carries information about the emitting device. Typically, the laser is merely a special effect of sorts, although it is not unheard of that the laser itself is the carrier of the information.

The player wears a pack, usually in the form of an open vest, with sensors placed in various locations. In the lasertag community, these sensors are colloquially known as "targets", although such terminology is frowned upon by image-conscious owners. The signal, when striking a sensor, transmits the pertinent data to the pack, data which is usually available via an LCD or similar screen on the tagging device itself.

All packs are connected to a central server which records points, the location and number of tags on other players, the location and number of tags on oneself, and a beam/tag ratio.

Typically, a player will receive a scorecard at the end of the game with this information recorded for posterity.

It is worthy of note, that the typical lasertag system does not function very well in any sort of incandescent or fluorescent light; therefore, most lasertag mazes are dark, and lit by blacklights. A maze will feature fog machines as well, to illuminate the laser beams. This fog is often apparently invisible to the participants, but it is noticeable when looking into the maze from a room with normal lighting.

Outdoor systems differ slightly from their indoor cousins. Typically, players have only one or two sensors, and are generally placed on one of the following areas: tagger, head, chest. Players are not connected to a central server, and generally create their own scenarios.