We often see raised eyebrows when we say that laser tag is very accessible and that age, disabilities, and other infirmity have no impact on whether you can be a good player, so we’d like to explain ourselves just a bit more. In short, the guns shoot literally at the speed of light, 100% accurately, for hundreds of feet at a time. This makes an accurately-aimed shot impossible to dodge. Also, there’s no way you can simply outrun the range of the guns; if you’re in range now and someone sees you you’ll still be in range when they fire, all you can do is jump behind cover. With that said, you might almost ask if physical prowess gives you any advantages at all!
The truth is that while physical capabilities make it easier for you to move when and where you want and, admittedly, will probably make it quicker for you to get there, they still don’t let you move faster than the guns can shoot. Worse, they can make it too easy to move faster than you can think. In tactical laser tag it’s important to consider not just where to move, but also when and how.
So who can play?
Laser tag is very accessible to almost anyone.
We’ve had amputees of either arm or leg on the field, players in both powered and manual wheelchairs, crutches, and more. None have ever been at a disadvantage because of their physical handicaps. Sure, some handicaps require a bit of extra thinking on the part of the player or slightly limit their choices on the field, but none have ever made them a disadvantage to their team or ability to play. Every game is accessible to every player.
Also, people sometimes have a tendency to substitute running and quick movement in for smart use of their laser tag gun, which only helps them get shot at faster. True story: we had a group of alcohol and drug counselors (BEST group for maintaining team communication in the midst of battle that we’ve ever seen!) come out for a teambuilding event. Two of the guests were women who were near or well into their 60’s, both with the ability to walk around just fine but not much ability to run. At first, they felt like they were at a disadvantage for it, but after a few tips on smarter movement and shooting techniques they began to dominate the field and became among the most valuable members of their teams! They also weren’t allowed to be on the same team anymore because no one felt it was fair that someone should have the advantage of the both of them!
The bottom line
Between the extreme range and pinpoint accuracy mobility just doesn’t make a huge difference by itself on the field in general. Don’t allow fears that laser tag won’t be accessible to you to cause you to hesitate. Come out and let us show you an unforgettable time.