What do you want to know?
Frequently asked questions
Pre Operational Questions
General FAQs
Who are Zone Laser Tag?
For one of these FAQs, We are a globally recognized award-winning entertainment solutions company specialising in professional Laser Tag Systems and other attractions for the leisure and entertainment industry. Starting as a small family business based in Melbourne, Australia, designing and building products from nothing to the premier manufacturer and supplier of indoor laser tag systems worldwide with a global family of distributors, operators, and players.
Now nearly 50% of all Laser Tag attractions built worldwide each year are built with Zone. Along with our industry-leading partner products, HOLOGATE, Prison Island, and more, Zone is your perfect partner for entertainment.
How long have you been in business?
One of the general FAQ, We have over three decades of experience in the laser tag industry as manufacturers and suppliers of laser game equipment, going back to 1987. That makes us the oldest and largest Laser Tag manufacturer operating in the market today.
Where are you based?
An answer to this FAQ, from our founding in Melbourne, Australia, in 1997, we have grown to have over 20 dedicated offices worldwide, find all our homes here.
Do you partner with other industry leaders?
Yes, no one company or person can be experts in everything! You wouldn’t want a dentist to paint your house, so why would you want a laser tag company to install a bowling lane. For that reason, Zone has carefully developed relationships with the leading experts in each field, which we are happy to directly work with for your ease or put them in touch with you.
But don’t worry, we will always put you or any of our operators best interests first, and we’ll happily work with any builder or industry professional that you find, or even your local chippie and sparky (Australian slang for builder and electrician)
We also use our manufacturing capability and skilled design and research team to assist other companies; like Hologate to build their award-winning attractions.
Is Laser Tag a main attraction?
Yes! But it does depend on how you drive it.
If you tuck it into a corner and don’t give it energy, it won’t perform as well as it can. Sure it will still tick along, but it won’t excite your guests or fill your wallet.
However, a feature-rich laser tag system can easily be your top-performing attraction, especially if you design your centre and experience to wow your guests.
Do your systems work outside?
Our focus and developments are aimed at indoor play.
With both permanent, FEC style game-play with our Helios systems and mobile operations with our Begeara systems.
While there are methods to use our powerful systems for outdoor use, the experience your guests would get is not at our high standards of enjoyment. So for that reason, we are not the most practical system design for your outdoor entertainment experience. Reach out, and we can put you in touch with a company in your area that should be able to service your needs.
Do you support your older systems?
Absolutely. With more than a thousand Zone operators around the globe, all operating with different Zone systems. It’s our responsibility to make sure their laser tag succeeds. Be it gear sold yesterday to gear sold 30 years ago. They’re still one of the family.
We have more than one site still using Version3 which we made in 1990! (The first system to use all Polycarbonate plastics and shoulder sensors + First laser tag to have a membership system!) As our gear is built to last, we’re set up to help you till you’re ready to upgrade to the next generation of our equipment.
Our gear lasts so long that in some cases certain components can’t be manufactured anymore because they no longer have practical uses in electronics. When that happens, we, unfortunately, are more limited in what support we can offer those sites. We let our operators using that system know as soon as we start running into trouble sourcing components decades old!
All of our operators benefit from our expansive support and enhancement system, which makes sure that deciding to upgrade your gear after years of enjoyment won’t set you back on your path to success.
Why should you choose Zone?
We get it; it’s a global world, with suppliers from everywhere all claiming to be the best partner for you.
So start by asking yourself a few questions:
- Do you value the knowledge that 33 years of experience provides?
- Do you want to work with past and current operators who understand what you’re going through?
- Do you want to have products that are proven to work, supported, and improved upon?
- Do you want to be able to grab a coffee/word with your dedicated project partner anytime you need it because they are local to you?
- Do you want to have a vast network of other operators to talk to, learn from and improve with?
If you answered yes, to any of the above, we are the right partner for you.
So please pull up a chair, let’s talk solutions.
Is Laser tag profitable?
Yes, indeed! An efficient laser tag site will achieve 15-40% profit after management wages but before tax, interest and depreciation.
It’s such an important question; we actually wrote a book on how to get realistic expectations of revenue.
How do I start a Laser Tag Centre?
So you’re thinking about starting a laser tag business?! Congratulations! You’re entering a dynamic and rewarding industry that is both exceptionally profitable (when it’s done right) and fulfilling for owners and operators. Does it even count as work if you’re having fun each day!
Of course, starting any business from scratch, particularly a laser tag centre, can seem like a daunting prospect. Here’s our guide on how to get started
What's the target market?
When considering activities for children, families, and adventurous adults, a laser tag business can be a great fit for all types of clients. Be it birthday party celebrations, team-building exercises, or indoor activities for children when it’s raining outside, a laser tag facility can offer excitement and challenges.
The greatest demand comes from children aged 7 to 14, typically for birthday parties, and younger adults aged 18 to 25. These younger adults often spend the most money. On average, male players make up just over two-thirds of the demand. However, this does vary a lot by age, with an equal split for guests under the age of 18!
What sort of costs are involved in starting a Laser Tag Business?
We won’t sugar coat it; there are significant costs to starting a Laser Tag Business or any entertainment business. To start a centre from the ground up, you will need a budget of at least 100,000 USD. The largest investments for a start-up centre include:
Pre Operational FAQs
What sort of rent is workable?
When there’s a choice between low rent and higher rent, it’s usually best to opt for low rent unless there’s a compelling reason to shell out more money.
The higher your COS expectancy is, the lower the workable % of your rent.
High COS locations should aim for 5-10%
In general, it would be safe in entertainment to have rent of up to 18%
To calculate the above % Use the following:
Divide your annual rent by your anticipated revenue. Suppose you’re looking at a space that rents for $2,000 a month. That translates into $24,000 per year. If you expect to make $150,000 in the same year, the ratio is .16, or 16 percent.
Make sure you understand that you will need to pay a substantial deposit of a few months of their rent.
In terms of lease terms, generally, 3-3-3-3-3 is a good lease to aim for, but in any case having a total lease of at least 15 years, broken over as small terms as possible is certainly the best option. Unless you can be 100% certain of the success of your location, signing a lease for more than 5 years in the initial term is risky.
Where should I put my centre?
The first and most important decision facing a future laser tag entrepreneur is location. Even though every city and country has its own unique characteristics, several common considerations can point you in the direction of success.
We can break this down into four main sections: population, locality, area, and building you should look for.
Operational Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have educational resources?
An answer to this FAQs, Zone Laser Tag leads the industry in educating both new and current operators. Our staff have spent thousands of hours working events, planning, marketing, and operating laser tag attractions at every level, along with countless hours actually creating and inventing new laser tag equipment. This page highlights only a sample of the resources available to our operators.
Do you have educational resources
Zone Laser Tag leads the industry in educating both new and current operators. Our staff have spent thousands of hours working events, planning, marketing, and operating laser tag attractions at every level, along with countless hours actually creating and inventing new laser tag equipment. This page highlights only a sample of the resources available to our operators.
Do you offer marketing resources?
If there’s something we can do to reduce costs and increase revenue, we’ll pursue it. That’s why we’ve opened up our marketing database and knowledge base, providing access to thousands of images, videos, brochures, manuals and posters to all our zone operators. You can also access tutorials, manuals and briefing videos.
We’ve even produced albums of music that comes pre-installed. All this is at no extra cost to you. It’s just another way we go the extra mile for our operators.
How much should I charge for my Laser Tag Experience?
Laser tag pricing varies per region and market: research similar laser tag arenas, experiences and markets in your area.
Another way we look at pricing is the ‘bigmac index‘, which is a good indication of people’s disposable income and currency strength. With most locations charging 1.5-2 times the price of a big mac (rounded in their local currency), this is also affected a lot by how the attraction is run and the focus put on it.
Please read our guide here on realistic revenue expectations.
Do I need membership?
This answer comes down to your laser tag attraction, operation plan and ROI goals, so we can’t give you a black or white answer here! Zone has a powerful and robust membership system, so it can help you build a loyalty system easily. Done right, your player experience can be magnified, and your repeat play can grow exponentially by introducing membership cards.
You can also make a revenue stream out of it by incorporating re-occurring benefits and charges into your offering. But in most cases, offering membership to every guest who walks through your doors is a great idea!
How can I maximize my revenue?
Understanding how to take advantage of all the features that your laser tag system is the key to unlocking repeat revenue and throughput. Consider offering membership or other loyalty programs.
Try offering different games from our huge library of games or changing up the team colours and variety to change the experience for your guests.
Can your arena be more interactive with targets or lighting effects? Could your visual experience be better? Think of your experience like a customer; what would you want?
Do I need a 'Laser Tag Tech'?
This depends on the size of your operation and your laser tag goals. Some owners and operators running smaller centres take on all the maintenance, from ordering parts to making repairs. Others use Zone’s swap and go service to use our local repair hubs. It’s very common for larger centres to employ and train techs to handle the maintenance and upkeep of the laser tag system and general attractions. Laser Tag is an electronic marvel, so very similar to modern arcade games.
We recommend having someone who is vigilant. Generally tech-savvy to be responsible for your system’s maintenance and performance. Zone has video guides for all repairs that can be followed easily by anyone who knows how to use a screwdriver!
Do you offer any advanced game modes?
Yes! We have an expansive game library; the list will vary depending on which Zone system you’re considering.
When should I run my more advanced game mode?
Mixing up the laser tag experience is a great way to keep your attraction fresh and exciting. Some games are more appropriate to brief and play during slower nights or with more experienced players as they can be challenging for guests’ first game. These games are also great for special events and nights that are for your regulars!
We also offer fun games to play during your peak traffic hours, which is not complicated to explain and play. We can see about 90% of all games played on our system are Team/Solo, so it’s a good way to stand out from your competition.
Where can I control my Laser Tag from?
O-Zone is web-based, so it can be accessed from any network-connected device, as long as that device is on the same network as your O-Zone server. That means you can run it from your counter, your phone, or even your smart toaster! From the palm of your hand, your can start and finish games, pause and un-pause games, interact with vests, change settings and team colours, print scorecards, access diagnostics data and control every element of your system.
Alternatively, “Mobile Operation Control” (MOC) offers yet another way to access O-Zone. MOC runs on network-connected Android devices and even adds a few extra features on NFC capable phones.
Arena Design FAQs
How much does it cost to build an Arena
An answer to this FAQ, The cost of an arena varies massively, from the top end of Creative works to a DIY approach. An effective design will create a stimulating environment that players connect with, which leads them to want to come back again and again and tell their friends how much fun they had at your arena.
For a 300m2 Arena, Creative works are around $90,000 inclusive of structural walls built by a third party, down to 30,000 for a DIY build at a reasonable quality.
What are the space requirements for a laser tag businesses arena?
We have very successful laser tag centers operating arenas as small as 100m2 (1050 square feet) and as large as 1100m2 (11800 square feet), while the average size is between 250-400m2 (2700-4300 square feet). A good rule of thumb is to allow for 10 to 15 square meters (about 107 to 161 square feet) per player. This will provide a comfortable playing space for your customers.
What shape should I make my arena?
The shape of your arena can vary depending on your building and layout. Some facilities design asymmetrical arenas, split and mirrored down the middle. This can be great for team or competition games with players requiring strategy and planning to succeed. Other facilities prefer less conventional designs, allowing for more random and sporadic gameplay where players need craftiness and cunning to prevail. Arena designs should always incorporate unique elements and a mix of obstacles to hide behind.
Should I make my arena two stories?
We recommend creating a two-level laser tag arena, if possible. Most arenas today are two-levels or incorporate raised areas, and this offers more flexibility and options for creating an exciting and varied player experience. From our research, we’ve seen Multi-level arenas outlast and outperform single-level arenas. However, don’t let that dishearten you if you can’t do a second level. We’ve also worked with arenas of all sizes and levels, and there are ways to make any arena just as exciting. Work with your arena builder and laser tag equipment supplier to determine the best options for your business.
How many vests do I need?
This is all based on the size of your arena. A good rule of thumb is to allow for 10 to 15 square meters (about 107 to 161 square feet) per player. This will provide a comfortable playing space for your customers.
Our laser tag system can handle as many vests as you need (some of our customers run 100+ vests, or have multiple arenas sharing there vests), however we find most of our sites have arenas of around 300m2, and between 21-24 vests.
What is DMX lighting?
DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a protocol used to control devices such as lights or fog machines. The signal is unidirectional, meaning it only travels in one direction; from the controller or first light, all the way to the last. In its most basic form, DMX is just a protocol for lights
Can Zone work with DMX?
Absolutely. We encourage all of our operators to take advantage of every aspect of the laser tag experience. DMX lighting has always been the way to light up the atmospheric experience of your game arena. But now Zone’s O-Zone platform removes the need for expensive lighting engineers with our built-in PLUG and PLAY technology powered by Zone Intelligent Arena Control (ZIAC). Options are limited only by your imagination.
Do you provide arena designs and concepts?
When we receive a signed contract and you can provide us with the appropriate blueprints of your proposed laser tag space, we’ll help you visualize the laser tag arena with custom 3D renderings. Until that point, we will happily offer suggestions and advice to help you plan!
But once that’s signed, Our team will match your requests and theme, to make sure you get the best arena for you. If your utilizing our other services, such as Lighting or UV art, you will get a complete mock up showing them exactly how they will be installed! Remember, these are concepts, NOT building plans or structural diagrams. Please consult with your arena builder or construction team to finalise arena building plans.
Are vesting and briefing rooms required?
This depends on your laser tag space and goals. Having a separate briefing and vesting room with multiple entrances and exits will maximize your customer throughput and your ROI. Talk to our design team to learn how best to lay these spaces out, or read our guide on all the spaces in a centre.
A vesting room or dedicated area is required to hang and charge your vests when not in use. However, this does not need to be a room; it can be incorporated into other spaces within the centre.
How do I design a Laser Tag Arena?
Designing your arena is right up there with selecting the best laser tag equipment for your business. A successful laser tag attraction is made or broken by your arena design. Combining strategic arena design with your laser tag equipment and arena technology (bases, targets, mines, and designs) builds an attraction synergy that maximizes your customer’s experiences and helps to diversify and expand your market opportunities.
The secret to designing a successful arena is by involving people who are passionate about Laser Tag. This can be achieved in two ways. Firstly by involving a group of expert Laser Tag players to work with your architects; alternatively, you can seek advice from the industry itself. Arena building companies generally include free design services with the purchase of a turn-key arena, and Zone can introduce you to a range of companies at different price points. Or, even better, Zone offers a complimentary arena consultation and design service with any purchase of a Zone Laser Tag System. That being said, it never hurts to do your own research and get to know who’s out there or talk to multiple people to make your own informed decisions.
Technical FAQs
How does Laser Tag work?
At their core, laser tag systems typically use infrared signaling to track firing of the beam. In indoor play, a visible light combined with theatrical fog typically provides the visual effect of firing, while having no actual role in transmitting the fire signal, the bright light is where Laser Tag get its name!.
In all but the most basic of systems, the infrared signal sent by the gun 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.
Zone uses a combination of IR, Radio and Wi-Fi signals which allows us a lot of control on how the phaser interacts with the game, allowing awesome features like our proximity controls, and special weapon modes!
What's quad channel audio?
Our quad channel audio allows us to give players 4 streams of audio directly, without interruption from other sounds! For example; a player can be getting an alert about an enemy lock on, while hearing their own blaster zapping away! All the while receiving a notification about an achievement for their efforts. On Helios PRO, audio comes from both the shoulders, and the phaser. With our other systems we only use the phaser for audio!
What type of phaser cord do you use?
All vested Zone systems use our patented design for a cable, which tightly binds 8 cables and a tough central core in a reinforced rubber cable. These cords are always going to be the first part to break, regardless of what company/system you use, as it’s the part that will get the most wear and tear!
So this vital communication cable will inevitably need to be replaced, we generally recommend our sites replace these cables every 18 months. Our system uses its advanced maintenance features to monitor the signals going through the cable, to alert you as soon as any cable is a little bit less responsive!
Does your system have self diagnostics?
Of course! Without an automated maintenance system you risk being unaware of potentially business-impacting issues. Our suits will automatically detect faults on vests, conduct self checks and notify you of any faults.
What's Mag-Zone charging?
No more loose cables or unreliable inductive charging! Zone Laser Tag has just introduced a new way of charging laser tag equipment. With magnetic charging, having to utilize ports that can be damaged or fearing someone could break a cable by taking a vest off a charging rack are a thing of the past.
Zone laser tag is the first in the industry to incorporate magnetic charging to the laser tag landscape. More reliable than inductive charging, our Mag-zone charging system gives each vest a solid point to point connection with the charging system ensuring consistent safe and reliable charging of your laser tag equipment.
Do you offer wireless charging?
No, from our experience and testing we found that direct charging is faster and allows us to use higher capacity batteries. But we didn’t want the weakness of a physical connection that can be pulled out roughly damaging equipment, so we’ve made our own Mag-Zone charging system to utilize magnetic connections to prevent damage.
Batteries can be the most expensive replacement on any laser tag suit and we need to ensure our customers get the best results and performance from our batteries. Our mag-zone connection ensures a stable, strong flow of charge, whereas with the current state of wireless changing it would drop in and out damaging the equipment.
We believe our batteries and charging system are the most cost effective and guaranteed method for everyone involved, with batteries that last more than a day, it’s only a opening/closing task to quickly tap on the charging cables.
What’s dual kit-up?
With O-Zone dual kit-up, you can reduce game changeover times to almost zero.
Dual kit-up allows operators to have two separate groups of vests. One group can be in the arena playing, while the other group is getting ready in the kit-up room.
When the time comes, swap the groups over and press the other group’s game start button. Vest starting groups can be assigned on the fly with the “Mobile Operation Control” (MOC) app.
What batteries do you use?
We use reliable, smart lithium ion batteries that have both charge control built into them and our vests have additional checks to look after those batteries and get you the best life out of them! With proper procedures, care and maintenance you can expect many years of use out of your batteries, without risk of going flat during the day!
What type of plastic is used in your vests?
We use reinforced molded polycarbonate that we’ve been improving upon since 1990 when Zone introduced these materials (now industry standard) to the world with our Version3 system. We use a variety of colors across our systems, to make the system look stunning to your guests. We’ve tested our materials by running them over with cars, dropping them and more importantly testing them with thousands of busy saturdays!
What makes your lasers different?
Well they are huge! Instead of just a little dot, we use 13mm giant lasers that are vibrant and look fantastic in your haze!
Do you have two hand detection?
Yes, all our phasers have huge sensors to accommodate hands from tiny as a mouse to as large as a giant! As a safety feature, the phaser will by default not work unless two hands are detected, it will notify the player with sounds, and video notifications if they let go so they know what to do! Of course, this can be disabled on a per game basis at any time but we suggest to leave active unless required for operational/customer inclusion reasons.
How do my members login?
All our vested systems have built in card readers in their fronts, allowing your customers to just simply tap on like they would tap and go at a payment reader. This is both intuitive for your guests and convenient as it means you don’t need complicated gates/barcode scanner to login your regulars!
Can my players see status in the game?
Our systems have giant 400-240 colour screens on the phasers that alert them to all the important details they could need, like how much they are winning! They can use the button controls on the phaser, or touch screens depending on the system to navigate selections and select power ups and stats to view.
What is’ automatic social distancing’?
We’ve added automatic social distancing features to all our O-Zone systems! Zone Packs can now automatically detect and enforce social distancing rules in game. With configurable distance controls and warning effects to make it seamless. This patented feature makes Zone’s equipment easier to use in the current global situation!
Purchasing & Support Frequently Asked Questions
How do I purchase a system?
According to these FAQs, to join our network of successful operators, begin by filling out an inquiry form on our webpage, contacting your local representative or meeting us in person at a number of trade shows.
Do you have financing?
For Laser Tag; depending on your region, Zone has inhouse financing, along with lease options, allowing you to start your laser tag journey for as little as $2000 a month. We can also provide detailed data to help you get third party financial support
How long does a system take to build and ship?
Typically we are 6 weeks out, from your paid deposit, to building and shipping your system.
We’ll work with you on your arena building schedule, and timelines depend on system size and complexity, particularly if you are utilizing our lighting and UV wallpapers this timeline may be longer.
We work on a first come first serve basis, but we’ll make sure to keep you updated on every step of the timeline. As we own our own factory, we have the capability to do urgent jobs as well, and in most larger offices we store equipment for those I need your system tomorrow sort of situations!
What are your purchasing options?
Zone offers flexible payment options designed to lower start up cost and assist cash flow. If you have cash, you’ll receive the best pricing available. Contact us to get a custom quote.
Do you sell used equipment?
We don’t facilitate the sale of used equipment, but we can direct you to owners and operators that maybe upgrading their Zone system to the next version our equipment and are looking to sell their existing equipment. Due to the reliability of Zone equipment, system life is maximised and second hand systems are not often available, when they are they are generally decades old so not ideal for your use!
Can I trade in my current laser tag system?
If you already have a Laser Tag System and it is getting on in years, isn’t performing as you had hoped, has too much downtime and many breakages, or a combination of these, then that’s not good. But don’t let that bring your centre down. Join the Zone family. We’d love to have you. To make it as easy as possible, we have trade in discounts and will provide assistance to re-brand your centre.
No matter how old your gear is, we will sort something out that leaves you happy, and us with a new member of our family.
Do you ongoing fees/licenses?
We do, we’ve got multiple options from simple license fees to our amazing support and enhancement program. The cost is calculated based on the number of vests you have, and online services (API/Data systems)
Do you have warranties?
Zone offers the longest warranty in the game – with warranty periods up to three-years for key equipment elements.
How often will I receive software updates?
If you’re part of our support and enhancement system, you will receive ongoing updates generally every few months. This will ensure you’ll always have the most powerful laser tag system on the market, regardless of the system age and generation. These updates can be a real game changer, recently we added social distancing too all our o-zone systems. Greatly improving the systems that our customers had loved for years for no extra costs!
O-Zone is web based, so a little notification will pop up alerting you that you can download an update at your leisure, along with what the update will do for you.
How long does the installation take?
Our professional install team, and you dedicated agent will guide the way from shipping to installation (then beyond in the case of your agent). Keeping you updated of any changes as they arise. Typically installs can take anywhere from 2 – 5 business days but this time always varies case-to-case.
Is there any training included?
Of course! Once we finalised the install and tested your components are working exactly how they should! Then we’ll train you, managers, owners and other techs and employees how to run your laser tag, both in terms of the system, and best practices. So it’s very important those people are present on the appropriate training day(s).
How do I get support?
Our teams are available around-the-clock, seven-days-a-week, worldwide.
You can chat on the phone, via our service bots or emails. Or use our in-depth knowledgebase
We can't wait to meet you
Start your exciting journey into entertainment today, with Zone as your partner.
We can’t wait to welcome you into our family of more than 1000 operators