The Official Predator Games Blog

The Best Laser Tag Businesses - 2012 Edition

2012-02-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

Well, the popularity of the Predator Games laser tag system has certainly taken off over the last few years and 2012 is running stronger than ever before. It's time we dive into the best users once more! You might find some of the users look familiar as they have been featured before, but that just means they have kept improving to stay on top. If you are interested in being featured as a prime Predator Games user, send us an email to social@predatorgames.com. We know there are hundreds of other awesome fields out there, so make it be known!

Criteria - How we choose the best fields

1. Must use Predator Games gear exclusively (obviously!).
2. Must have good publicity and be very visible both online and locally.
3. Must have a great website.
4. Must have high-volume traffic regularly.
5. Have cool games and options for players. Cool guns are a plus too.

The List! Drum roll...................

5. Paintball de Naaldhof - Oss, Netherlands

One of the best paintball fields in Europe, Paintball de Naaldhof began using Predator Games a while back and have had great success. They have several fields for both paintball and laser games, and both are very popular. There is a central bunker building, numerous fox holes and vehicles, and plenty of sand bags to battle behind. Plus, right on-site they have a restaurant, bowling alley, hotel, and arcade! Players will not be bored.

4. Doodlebug Sportz - Everette, Washington

Doodlebug Sportz has been a Feature Field in the past and rightfully so. They are very involved in the paintball world which meant that offering laser tag would be quickly successful! It allows them to reach a younger audience and grow them into paintball players down the road. DBS has an indoor castle field and several great outdoor playing areas. Laser tag players can play on any field they choose.

3. Wasaga Beach Paintball - Wasaga, Ontario, Canada

Wasaga Beach Paintball is a very busy field just north of Toronto. They have a massive facility built from the ground up for paintball and similar extreme sports, including laser tag. Their fleet of Predator guns can host a large group with ease and their portable CCM cart allows games on every field, both indoors and out!

2. NY Paintball and Lasertag - New York, NY

Yes, players must escape with their lives! NY Paintball has several laser tag options for all players. They can choose between Arena laser tag played on a paintball field complete with techno and fancy lighting, or the Asylum, a laser tag only horror house. The Asylum has adjustable light, noise, and pathways to create a mild or super scary experience. The scariest setting is only for kids 16 and up. They also feature Zombiefest, where players must make it out alive while being chased by shooting zombies and panicking SWAT members.

1. Battleground Orlando - Orlando, FL

The newest kid on the block and our number one pick hails from Central Florida and does laser tag right! Back in the fall of 2011, Orlando Paintball decided to try a new source of revenue, laser tag. After much research, they went with Predator Games Barracuda systems and outfitted them with stocks and sights. Laser tag is booked solid so they created Battleground Orlando, the laser tag side of things. All games are played on the paintball fields, which include a UFO field, trench warfare, and a small indoor city!

We have so many users world wide. If your laser tag business would like to be considered a top 5 best for the 2013 voting next February, send us an email!

Another Successful ARA Show!

2012-02-15T07:55:00.000-08:00

Once again, Predator Games and Tippmann Sports have ventured to the American Rental Association's (ARA) yearly Rental Show. This time, it was held in New Orleans, LA and hosted the same great crowd. Thousands of people came through the event and past the booth. The full Predator system was available for trial and testing. Many orders were placed and like always, experts were on handle to answer questions and explain the benefits of the system. Rental businesses are always looking for that unique product that sets them apart from every other bounce house rental nearby. Predator laser tag is great for teenagers and others who don't really have a rental option or have since grown out of it.

More information on The Rental Show can be found at www.therentalshow.com.

Tippmann and Predator Games Tour Ontario, Canada

2012-02-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

Tippmann Sports and Predator Games recently visited the Toronto region in Ontario, Canada for a multiple day tech and service tour. The brief tour took place on January 26-27. The tour consisted of two complete Tippmann tech courses, Predator laser tag Q&A, field visits, and plenty of one on one learning time for all products and services involved.

On day one, Tippmann hosted their renown tech courses for two packed sessions. All attendees learned how to tech the popular guns of the Tippmann line and gained full certification. Predator Games was on site to meet with users and demonstrate the laser tag system. People could ask questions and learn how the system could benefit them. Earlier in the day, a visit was made to Georgina Paintball to assist and service their needs. Georgina is a popular field an hour north of Toronto that offers something for everyone.

Day two brought a visit up to Wasaga Beach, one of the largest paintball fields in Canada and one of the heaviest Predator Game's users in the world. It was a great chance to all parties to meet face to face to discuss business and ensure everything was running as best it could be.

The trip was a big success and all parties ended up happy. Despite the cold snowy weather, the tour went smoothly. If you would like to see Predator Games or Tippmann in your area, send social@predatorgames.com an email! Both are currently scheduled to visit Europe in October.

Predator Games Information

2012-01-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

There is a complete list of documents and manuals on www.PredatorGames.com available for download should you need them. Aside from the basic product manuals, you'll also find documents such as:

Software Updating Procedures - Explains the process of checking and updating the software on your Predator equipment.
Troubleshooting Guide - Helps you troubleshoot common issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Also answers some common questions you may have about the equipment, set up, or game play.
Safety Report - Details the properties and safety of the infrared LED used to fire Predator 'lasers'.
IR Beam Characteristics - Explains how the infrared beam works depending on distance, light, and other conditions.
Software Compatibility - Predator units often get new software updates and this document helps you keep track of what versions and products work with each other.

If you would like to see information about a particular problem or question you have, please let us know (support@predatorgames.com). Our research and development team is constantly testing and improving all Predator products.

Next Stop - Toronto!

2012-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Predator Games and Tippmann Sports will be visiting the Toronto, Canada area this January 26-27. This trip will consists of free information and services for customers and other people interested in both Tippmann and Predator gear. It's a great time to come ask questions, learn good business ideas, and troubleshoot any issues you may have.

The schedule is set:

January 26: Sessions at hotel (Holiday Inn Express in Mississauga, ON)
January 27: Wasaga Beach Paintball visitation

If you would like to attend at either location please contact social@predatorgames.com. Tippmann will be showing off the latest paintball gear and providing an avenue to meet a rep and place orders. Predator Games will be on hand demonstrating and talking about their outdoor laser tag system and how it can benefit you. Come get your questions answered!

Batteries: What Works Best?

2012-01-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

There are always questions about batteries and battery life with any electronic device, and Predator Games laser tag equipment is no different. For those of you who want to get the most out of their Predator units, this Blog post is for you.

To begin, Predator Games units (Eagle Eye and Barracuda) all require four size AA 1.5V batteries to operate. Anything other than that, and performance may vary. All units require batteries and are not supplied with a rechargeable battery system. We chose to use a replaceable battery method in our units to make getting dead units back up and running faster, especially if you are running games in a remote location or charging time is not a luxury you have. Also, keep in mind that no matter which battery system/brand/voltage you use, make sure all four batteries in the unit are the same type. Mixing Lithium Ion with Alkaline batteries and so on is not a good idea.

With a full set up using brand new brand name batteries, one can expect up to 30,000 shots or up to 48 hours of stand-by time. There is a big difference between store name batteries and brand names such as Duracell or Energizer. We suggest using either of those two.

For budget conscious users, buying new batteries all the time is not always feasible. In that case, we recommend using rechargeable batteries. Keep in mind that most rechargeable batteries operate on 1.2V. This means battery life and power might not be sufficient in Predator Games units. That said, many fields and businesses using Predator units and 1.2V rechargeables have good results and no problems. It doesn't matter which

Recommendations for rechargeable systems can be found at Amazon.com. We suggest these (1.6V) or these (1.2V). You always want to research which is best, as different types of batteries have different life times and recharge counts. You will also want a rapid charger to get them up and running. Make sure any charger you purchase allows trickle charging or has a stop on it, so fully charged batteries are not damaged if left sitting in the charger for long periods of time. We recommend this one or this one. Again, make sure any charger you purchase is compatible with your battery type (NiMH, Lithium Ion, etc) and is able to charge up to the full mAh (milli-amp hours, or battery capacity).

Remember, when switching to a new battery system or type, always purchase a few for testing before replacing your entire fleet. Try playing with the unit until the batteries die too, to get an idea of when you will have to swap them. Having two sets for each unit is ideal, so that one set is charging while the other is in use.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays From Predator Games!

2011-12-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

The year 2011 was very good for Predator Games and 2012 promises to be even better. A slew of new things are on the horizon and that includes CCM 3.0 (which has just entered testing). We are working hard to complete everything and bring you some fabulous news in the coming months.

Keep in mind there are still some open months for Feature Fields in 2012, so email social@predatorgames.com for details. We also love to share your exciting news in the monthly e-blast, so send information to that same email.

If you are a BETA tester for CCM 3.0, keep your eyes open. BETA kits should be going out soon. The program has been changed someone from the original plan, but is still easy enough.

From all of us at Predator Games, enjoy this time of year with your family and friends. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Predator Games Web Presence

2011-12-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

No doubt you have a few favorite websites that you surf to every day. Predator Games aims to make itself established in those popular locations, so you never have to look very far to find us. We encourage you to take a look at the other sites we have and see if they offer what you are looking for. This Blogger page is very informative but there is more! You can visit any of the below pages by clicking on the right link on the right side of this page.

Facebook (www.facebook.com/pblasertag): This social site is very popular and is a great way to interact with other Predator Games users. New content is posted 3 times a week. Look for the page to add some great new features in 2012.

Twitter (www.twitter.com/pblasertag): Another social site based on short, limited postings. Predator Games is growing on Twitter and exclusive content is posted. Be sure to follow us and stay up to date, retweet, and mention PG!

Youtube (www.youtube.com/pblasertag): If you love watching videos, this site is for you. Predator Game's page is loaded with media, how-to videos, and customer flicks. We would gladly favorite and promote your laser tag videos too.

Don't forget our great websites either:

www.PredatorGames.com is the main page.

www.PredatorGames.net is the player community.

Want to see Predator Games elsewhere? Send an email to social@predatorgames.com.

A Brief Look 2012

2011-12-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

Predator Games has a lot in store for 2012! Part of that includes attending a variety of tradeshows and events with Tippmann Sports. Here is a brief look at the currently planned shows for 2012.

February 5-8: The American Rental Association (ARA) Show in New Orleans, LA.

February 28-March 1: The Paintball Expo in Washington, DC.

Dates Unconfirmed: True Value Rental Show

November 13-16: International Attractions and Amusement Parks Association (IAAPA) in Orlando, FL.

More are being looked at and confirmed, so stay tuned! If you would like to see Predator Games at an event near you, please email social@predatorgames.com. We always take the opportunity to meet with our customers and show off our great products.

Boosting Your CCM Signal

2011-12-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

Most operators know that in order to get the most out of your Predator laser tag games, the Command Center Module (CCM) is required. The CCM is a wireless control module that allows a single operator control all the laser tag games from a computer. Guns sync wirelessly and are then connected for all future games until shutdown. This wireless connection is done through the CCM's 2.4Ghz RF (radio frequency) chip. While fairly powerful and able to cover a very wide area, several factors come into play that might limit the signal. Dense foliage such as brush, thick grass, and heavy woods absorb RF easily. Metal walls, hills, and thick concrete structures also hamper RF. Most fields and businesses have a variety of playing areas and bunkers but will be just fine with the normal CCM. If you happen to have a very large area or want extra confidence in your CCM's wireless signal, read on to learn more.

NOTE: The CCM has a 1 mile range with clear line of sight. We always recommend that you place it as close to the playing area as possible.

The first thing to keep in mind is that most wireless signals travel out and downwards. The reason why TV and cell-phone towers are so high up is so that they can cover a large area of land with a variety of terrain. Placing your CCM up as high as possible is a good idea. Some people choose to put it on a pole or roof in a centralized location to their playing areas. More on how to do this below.

The second thing to remember is that each individual unit also has an RF chip for communicating with the CCM. There are two modes in the Setup menu to choose from: indoor and outdoor mode. Outdoor mode increases the power of the RF chip to help with players farther away, but also drains the batteries slightly quicker. Indoor mode is good for close, tight games in a backyard or garage and reduces RF traffic in that confined space, which makes the CCM less-likely to mix up a signal.

Now that you know these two things, we will give you some suggestions and pointers for extending your CCM's power and placing the antenna in a higher, more clear position.

NOTE: The antenna connection to your CCM uses the RP-SMA standard. This is basically a smaller version of your standard TV coaxial cable and is very common. Whichever option you go with, make sure you have the adapters or correct item to allow you to screw directly into the CCM's RP-SMA connection.

1. Buy a signal booster. A signal booster will increase the power of the RF signal from the CCM into the air. Ranges will increase for unit connectivity. We recommend this model or this model and they each cost about $50. Simply unscrew the antenna on your CCM box and screw this booster in. Most boosters require a power source as well, so have an extension cord or power strip handy.

2. Buy a high gain antenna. A high gain antenna increases the sensitivity to incoming signals, such as those from your Predator units. It also amplifies outgoing signals. We recommend this one. They usually go for a couple dollars. Replacing your antenna with a high gain antenna is the simplest thing you can do to boost your signal. You can also use it in combination with a signal booster for added effect.

Since we recommend placing the CCM as close to the playing area as possible, you might not always desire or be unable to have your computer there as well. There are several things you can do and need to keep in mind if separating your CCM and computer.

1. Run an RP-SMA cable from your CCM box to your antenna setup. This is great for placing your antenna on the roof if the computer is below it. We do not recommend using more than 30 feet of cable, because the signal degrades over distance and the CCM does not have enough power to push a full strength signal further than that. Check out this 10 foot cable.

2. Run a longer USB cable from your CCM to your computer. The entire CCM box would be in your chosen location and would connect to your computer through this cable. Again, keep this cable at a length of less than 30 feet. Here is a 6.5 foot cable.

3. For bigger distances, look into a wireless USB extender. A USB extender basically replaces the USB cord with a wireless connection very similar to WIFI but is more expensive. One end of the extender will plug into your CCM box, while the other end plugs into your computer. They then wirelessly communicate up to 100 feet apart. This is our suggested option.

You are not limited to the items we have suggested as there are a variety of products that do the same thing. Purchase what you think is the best option for the cost. If you have any questions with this information or need help figuring out what works best for you, please contact us!

Fun at IAAPA 2011!

2011-11-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

Predator Games and Tippmann Sports were again at the industry leading entertainment tradeshow in Orlando, Florida Nov 14-18. IAAPA draws thousands of vendors and attendees every year to a massive event that showcases the most exciting entertainment and attractions offerings available. There is no better place to be if you are in the Family Entertainment Center, rental, party, attractions, or theme park business.

As always, the Predator/Tippmann booth was very popular throughout the week and a great many units were sold. People stopped by to check the system out and try it live while asking any questions they might have had. Current users also stopped by for tips and tricks, or to meet in person, some for the first time. Predator Games users span the globe, because fun is universal.

Many outdoor laser tag manufacturers were present, including some new ones. The industry is definitely growing, and most companies have followed Predator/Tippmann with a low priced model. Unfortunately for them, these new products lack the features of Predator units and this means Predator/Tippmann is still number one!

Wonder What Your Predator Unit's Laser Looks Like?

2011-11-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

Every laser tag gun on the planet emits some form of light, in most cases, infrared, and depending on that gun's optics, the beam has different characteristics. Predator Games laser tag units have a specially designed emitting/optics system designed for optimal use by people of all ages in a variety of playing areas. If you have ever been curious about how wide the beam is or how far it shoots, you can now download the answers.

As you can tell from the document, the beam emitted acts differently indoors and out, and sunlight can play a factor. The beam is shaped like a baseball bat and rounds off near the end. It does not expand infinitely outward at a strength that can set off a receiving unit.

Be sure to download and print a copy of this data, so you can better plan your laser tag games in order to maximize the fun your customers have. If you have any questions about this document or something else, please do not hesitate to contact support@predatorgames.com.

IAAPA 2011 Sneak Peak

2011-11-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

If you are in the entertainment business, you don't want to miss the annual International Attractions and Amusement Parks Association's biggest tradeshow of the year. This year, the event is once again held in Orlando, Florida and will draw thousands of people to the area from around the world. The latest in entertainment can be found here, including everything from roller coasters to 3D exhibits. If you are looking for a way to increase revenue for your business, you won't find a better place to browse the options.

Predator Games and Tippmann Sports will be on hand showing off paintball laser tag, a popular item at every show. If you attend this show, stop by to check out the system, ask questions, or get to know us!

For more information on IAAPA, visit www.IAAPA.org.

Holiday Laser Tag Ideas

2011-10-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

The holiday season is rapidly approaching with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas just around the corner. This means your Predator laser tag games can take on fun ideas, often with a purpose! These few games will help your customers enjoy the spirit of the season. Some can even be used as fundraisers for your business or a local charity. Don't be afraid to mix and match some of these ideas either.

Halloween

The Great Pumpkin - Have your players play laser tag in a pumpkin patch. While they are out there, they can also find and pick a pumpkin. You can decide on doing laser tag at the same time, or doing that separately. A corn maze also creates a great laser tag zone. First one to make it out alive wins!

Haunted Forest - For older crowds, playing laser tag in a haunted house or forest is a great idea. They have to make it out alive, while being spooked and playing against each other. Teams could work well, and night games with little lighting add to the ambiance. Throw in live monsters and a story, and you'll attract hundreds of people. A good example of a themed haunted laser tag game is Zombiefest at The Asylum at NY Paintball.

Thanksgiving

Turkey Hunt - Have a staff member dress up as a giant turkey and have a few players at a time pay a small fee ($1) to go out into the nature and "hunt" the turkey. The turkey can be wearing an Eagle Eye unit or even a Barracuda to shoot back! Give the turkey any amount of life and the player who kills him wins a real turkey to bring home. It's important that the turkey actor checks his equipment when he gets hit to see who shot him. Make this harder with larger amounts of land if your audience is older.

Pilgrims vs Indians - Even though they may have lived in harmony, you could spin a story and create a big laser tag brawl out of it. Dress up is mandatory and the winning team get's a feast.

Christmas

Charity Tournament - Two man teams, small winter wonterland area to play in. You can use snowmen, snowforts, or woods for barriers. Two vs two with one life for each player. Round robin or single elimination format. Winners get a prize of your choice. Their entry fee can be a non-perishable food item, a toy, or even cash. You can donate to charities such as Toys for Tots. It's a good cause and will spread good word about your business while attracting a large audience. Make sure you set up standard rules if you run a tournament.

Santa and his Elves - Similar to the Turkey Hunt, you can have people dress up as Santa and elves. Have players go one at a time into the wintery playing area and find Santa and/or as many elves as they can. The actors can have Eagle Eye units or Barracudas. When hit, they go to a certain area. The player with the most wins, and if they find all the elves and Santa, they get a bonus.

There are unlimited amounts of game ideas, so be creative during each season. The winter season is no time to slow down, and the holidays appeal to just about everyone.

So THIS Is Where Your Predator Laser Tag Unit Came From?

2011-10-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Predator Games has some of the highest quality laser tag equipment you can buy. Why? Because they are designed, engineered, and built at Universal Electronics Inc, a multi-million dollar electronics manufacturer in Wisconsin. With over 90,000 square feet of manufacturing space inside the Whitewater location alone, large volumes of units can be made at any time while research and development never ends. Over 200 employees might be working on Predator units at any given time. The state-of-art resources that UEI has allows Predator to stay at the top of the laser tag food chain. Predator is just one division of UEI. The company also designs and builds electronic goods for the agricultural, medical, aeronautical, communications, and security industries. Predator Games laser tag is also exclusively distributed by Tippmann Sports, a leader in quality sporting goods. Together, the desire for perfection leads to a great product on all fronts.

You can check out UEI online to learn more about the facility and its operations.

Predator Games and Tippmann Tour Europe

2011-10-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Recently, during a two week stretch in September and October, Predator Games and Tippmann sports spent some time touring Europe to promote paintball laser tag. The product is immensely popular and has both a curious and a knowledgeable following. Over the two week period of travel, several venues, businesses, and fields were visited. Questions were answered, assistance was provided, and feedback was accepted. Those current customers who were having trouble got the help they needed and potential users were able to learn more.

The first stop of the trip was in London, UK for the EAS Expo. This large attractions expo was held at the Olympia September 27-29. Hundreds of people stopped by over the course of the event to check out and demo Predator Games. Units were on hand to try and freebies were given out. Tippmann and Predator always have a strong tradeshow presence, so if you missed this one, stay tuned to find out when the next one is!

The second stop of the journey was Holland. Just outside of Amsterdam lies Paintball Hillegom, a unique and popular paintball field seeking to add laser tag once their new arena is built. They were able to demo the system and learn everything they wanted.

From there, travel lead to Paintball de Naaldhof, a very popular field in Oss. They currently use a few dozen Eagle Eye units with great success for people of all ages. The first day was spent teching their systems and solving a few issues while day two was a prospect day. Several groups interested in Predator laser tag were invited to the field to ask questions and try the system. They all left very happy.

The third leg of the tour was near Brussels, in Belgium. The techs from Predator and Tippmann worked together to get up to speed on service needs. The service center is extremely capable of handling any or all Predator issues in Europe. They have the parts and know-how for fixing just about everything.

The final stop was in Paris, France. A visit was made to PCP, a very large distributor in the region. Several days were spent there to cover troubleshooting and service, as well as another prospect day for parties interested in laser tag. Quite a few current users came to learn best practices and get help. After a week of successful travels, the tour came to a close. If you are interested in Predator Games paintball laser tag, let us know!

The Laser Tag Museum

2011-07-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in the history and story of laser tag? The Laser Tag Museum is perfect for you! The museum is co-located with Lazer Blaze in Louisville, KY. It first opened in 2005 after many years of collecting materials.

There is a large amount of history to be found in the museum. The ideas and thoughts that went into creating laser tag are all explained. Did you know that the famous Star Wars movies influenced the creation of the game?

Learn more about the Laser Tag Museum here and stop by if you are in the area!

Brand New Newsletters

2011-07-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

Get ready for an entirely new look from the Predator Games monthly newsletter! You may have noticed you did not receive a newsletter in June or July. This is because we are working on a new layout and design that is much more exciting. We have also switched emailing service providers. The new layout is much more concurrent with our websites, making it easier to glance at and navigate through.

The first of this new edition of newsletters is scheduled to be released shortly, so keep your eyes peeled! More changes will be coming in the following months with the goal of making the newsletter as simple as possible. Some sections might be removed and others added. If you want to see something specifically, let us know!

The future newsletter also aims to be more member driven. Do you have an article you wish to share? Do you have news or updates on your Predator laser tag business? This is your chance to get free publicity! Whether you have a monster event coming up, or a new game you invented, we want to hear about it and share it with all of the Predator Games family.

Send us your input to social@predatorgames.com today!

It's All About Efficiency

2011-07-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

Every laser tag operator in the world runs their business a little bit differently, but in a way that's geared towards making the most money. This often means running games in ways that the customers have the most fun or playing time. After all, happy customers are returning customers.

While the exact magical formula for running the most efficient laser tag business will never be known, favored best practices can be shared. We've talked to some of the most popular laser tag businesses using Predator Games and asked what makes them so successful. Each has a slightly different strategy depending on their business. The mobile operators run things differently than brick and mortar users. These are the top 5 things they all have in common.

1. Short and fast games. Usually lasting 2-3 minutes, sometimes up to 5.
2. Small playing areas. This varies outside, but too much space is a problem indoors.
3. Generic Gun/Player names. This allows operators to quickly hand out and receive guns.
4. Short bookings. Birthday parties or groups will enjoy 1, 2, or 3 hours. More, and boredom might set in. Shorter time forces people to have more fun throughout.
5. Smaller groups. 6-12 is ideal, 20 max.

The 3 most popular simple games that everyone enjoys and allows lots of playing time are outlined below. Feel free to make your own modifications based on your needs. These are geared towards a younger crowd.

1. 3 minute game. Unlimited health. Unlimited ammo. No respawn or medic. Most hits wins.
2. 3 minute game. 2 health. 200 ammo. No respawn or medic. Last man/team alive wins.
3. 5 minute game. 1 health. 300 ammo. 30 Second respawn. No medic. Most kills at end of game wins.

Obviously there are plenty of ways that work for anyone. The above is just a taste of what the most popular fields are using. If you would like additional info and help on setting up optimal games for your business, please email social@predatorgames.com!

The Durability Factor

2011-06-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

Laser tag is an active sport, so operators demand the most out of their equipment. Durability is an important factor when choosing laser tag equipment, and Predator Games units are more durable than other providers. We put our standard Barracuda unit to the ultimate test to prove just how durable they are. They easily handle everything we threw at it.

Although it's hard to tell from the video, the unit worked without issue after each test. Do you have a question relating to Predator durability? Let us know by sending an email to social@predatorgames.com.

Old School Predator Games

2011-06-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Even the old original Predator Games laser tag units are still being used around the world. One of the earliest version of the system consisted of a little target box and a barrel that fired when jolted. The system was overly simple and had no RF technology. The components were fragile, but worked very well. Over the years changes were made and today we have a very durable, fully capable unit that works for a variety of things.

This video shows the system being adapted for realistic combat training. Towards the end, you'll notice the red target box strapped to the soldier. The guns used are paintball guns, so the air popping sound creates a loud bang. The field they are playing on looks straight out of the Call of Duty video game series. For more info, email social@predatorgames.com.

Predator Games Helping YOU

2011-06-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can reach out to Predator Games for marketing help with your laser tag systems? We can get you a variety of marketing materials for use on websites, print materials, and more. We can even give you pointers on popular games, efficient set ups, and new audience possibilities. We are here to help you grow. Don't forget, our distributor Tippmann is also available to help and they provide a full marketing kit to all field owners who purchase 12 units or more.

As a Field Operator (registered on predatorgames.net), you have access to the following things/adivice completely free:

- Hi-Res Product Photos
- Social Media direction
- Popular Game Ideas
- Efficient Operating Techniques
- New Market Possibilities
- Feature Field: Your own page on our site and a mention in the newsletter
- Dog Tag Giveaways
- Mentions On Our Social Media
- SEO and Inbound Marketing Technique

All you have to is ask! So send us an email to social@predatorgames.com.

Oklahoma D-Day

2011-06-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

If you use the Predator Games Eagle Eye, chances are you're an avid paintballer. One of the largest paintball events in the world is just around the corner. The Oklahoma D-Day game draws over 4,000 players to Wyandotte, OK June 6-12 for a week long adventure concerning every matter of festivity.

Players can participate in a variety of games, contests, special training, and camping all week. The main D-Day game begins with the beach invasion at 9am on Saturday and runs through Sunday. There is something for everyone,http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif so if you're a history buff who doesn't even play paintball, D-Day is worth checking out.

The main game features historical units following their actual story lines from the 1940's. Commanders assign missions and the teams battle for points. Chances are, those famous battles you've heard about in the movies will be fought this event. Tanks roam freely, panzers show up here and there, paint, smoke, and noise grenades explode everywhere. Your adrenaline will never get this high anywhere else.

For a complete schedule of events, go here.

Predator Game's distributor, Tippmann Sports, will be on hand all week with their show trailer, so stop by and check out the cool gear!

Laser Tag in Europe

2011-05-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know laser tag is huge in Europe? Predator Games has a big presence and it's still growing. Paintball is a tough sport to get into, as most countries categorize paintball guns as firearms, or also making it an 18-and-up sport. Laser tag has a much broader appeal and you'll find paintball places as well as standalone entertainment centers offering the game.

Have you heard of Mercury Paintball and Laser Tag? This field, located in Malaga, Spain, has a ton of offerings and game types. See paintball laser tag in action!

There are over 60 different businesses in Europe using Predator Games. That's a huge number! Predator Games' distributor, Tippmann Sports, has a warehouse and service center in Belgium to help service the market and provide quick turn around time.

Laser tag is definitely a world wide game! Growth in the US is stronger than ever, so if you get the chance to go play, take it!

Past Newsletters

2011-05-18T14:38:00.001-07:00

Did you know you can download and read every Predator Games newsletter from the past? Maybe you want to check out the past Feature Fields, or reread articles that might help your business. You may even want to email them to your curious customers!

Simply head to www.PredatorGames.info and click on the News and Events tab.

Predator Games Photo Contest

2011-05-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

Do you use Predator Games paintball laser tag often? Whether you are a customer or a business operator using the systems, you are eligible for the Predator Games Spring Photo Contest. Submit your best picture showing the use of a Predator Games product and be entered to win! The top 3 best photos will win a Predator T-shirt and dogtag, while also being mentioned in an upcoming newsletter.

THE DEADLINE FOR PHOTO SUBMISSION IS MAY 31, 2011.

PHOTOS MAY NOT BE EDITED OR ALTERED IN ANY WAY.

Please submit photos to social@predatorgames.com with subject Spring Contest.

SUBMIT ALL PHOTOS WITH NAME, BUSINESS (if applicable), AND CAPTION.

Some of our favorite photos from the past can be seen below:

Family Time for Mother's Day

2011-05-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

This Mother's Day, millions of Moms will want nothing more than to spend some time with their family and do something fun (aside from being pampered, of course). Planning a fun event is not hard. Pass up the cliche flowers and breakfast in bed for a real activity that involved everyone.

Chances are, there are dozens of Family Entertainment Centers (FEC's) in your area or close by. Take Mom to one for some fun games, food, and company. Most FEC's have lasertag, and this exciting game is perfect for everyone. By the way, you can find a local place offering Predator laser tag here.

Don't forget to let Mom win a game or two!

CCM 3.0 Beta Testing Is Coming Soon

2011-04-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

The completely re-designed CCM (dubbed 3.0) is nearing completion. The new CCM features an entirely new layout. This new user interface is much simpler and easier to learn. New users will find the software super intuitive. Experienced users will enjoy the simplicity and speed that 3.0 allows. New features will be enabled as well, which include the ability to create different player types, a live game feed, and adding/removing players to current games. The software is slated for release this summer. Not every feature will be available in the Beta or even the first release, but they are due in the future.

Beta testing is expected to begin in soon, so if you would like to be the first to use the new CCM software, please contact andy@predatorgames.com.

Please note that there are several conditions that must be met before you get chosen as a Beta tester. Beta testing is also first come first serve, as we only have a limited number of slots available.

The Eagle Eye at the 2011 NCPA Nationals

2011-04-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Every April, thousands of collegiate paintball players head to the National Collegiate Paintball Association's National tournament. Dozens of schools travel to compete, and range from your Big Ten and Big East clubs all the way down to a plethora of D3 schools. The tournament hosts two game formats designated Class A and Class AA. It is up to the schools to choose which they want to participate in. Several Eagle Eyes were at Nationals this past weekend in Lakeland, Florida. They were on hand to demo and several players tried them out on their Ego's, NT's, and other high end paintball guns. The products drew quite a crowd and sparked much curiosity.

College paintball teams are unique in that every player is about the same age and paintball is considered a school sanctioned activity. Most teams get funding and play several events each semester. They are always looking to expand their membership and provide students with a fun activity. Plus, paintball players who attend the school have an option for playing.

Paintball laser tag, and specifically the Eagle Eye, can help a collegiate paintball team or club in many ways. First and foremost, it allows a cash-strapped team to practice at any time for almost no cost. It will allow drilling without buying paint and let them practice anywhere, including on campus. This will keep more of the club budget directed towards actual events.

Paintball laser tag is also a great way for fund raising. Paintball clubs can set up and run laser tag events for students and people on campus or at school functions and charge per game. Even a few hundred people playing at $2 a game helps. Some universities even use the laser tag for intramural leagues. Teams of students can enter the league for a low fee and compete for a period of time with the hopes of winning something.

Paintball clubs can also use the Eagle Eye to increase membership. This brings more dues to the clubs, and this ultimately means more of a budget. A lot of students hear about the paintball club and attend the first meeting or two with a ton of interest, but often back down after learning about the costs, pain, and mess associated with the sport. Paintball laser tag allows them to enjoy the sport without any of those negative aspects. They might even get comfortable enough to try real paintball.

For more information on the Eagle Eye, check out www.PredatorGames.com or www.PaintballLaserTag.com. If you would like to talk to someone specifically about adding paintball laser tag to your school program, email social@predatorgames.com.

Training With The Eagle Eye

2011-04-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

The Eagle Eye doesn't just offer a paintball simulation to those unable or unwilling to play real paintball. It also provides competitive players a viable means of practicing without spending a lot of money. To win, teams must practice. Part of practicing means drilling to hone certain skills and burn in that muscle memory. The Eagle Eye can help you practice and drill anywhere at any time.

Since the Eagle Eye is basically an advanced laser tag system, players and teams can run drills anywhere. Find a separate area at your local paintball field or set up a few bunkers in your back yard. If the weather stinks, drill indoors! Even after you are done playing real paintball for the day, you can continue to work on drills for no other cost. Players and team mates should never have the "cost" excuse not to practice.

While the Eagle Eye does not offer an identical paintball experience, it is close enough to the point where running drills is no different. The beam is fired each time your paintball gun recoils from a shot. Shooting the length of a paintball field is not an issue, and the beam widens slightly farther down range. This simulates paintball drift one way or another. There are no other sensors than that on the unit, which will stress accuracy while training. The majority of hits on a player land on their gun or equipment while playing so this works. Coaches and trainers can also get in close with the players drilling to help since they have no fear of getting hit.

Some of the things the Eagle Eye will allow players to work on are:

Basic gun handling
Playing your bunker correctly
Moving correctly
Snapshooting
Laning
1 on 1's, 1 on 2's, etc
Podding while shooting

There are plenty of other ideas too, and teams can use the Eagle Eye to suit their needs. The Eagle Eye can be used with just about every paintball gun simply by switching out the barrel adapter. The air-source is still required as recoil from the gun firing activates the laser. Don't worry about your detents either, as the barrel adapter is fashioned in a way that vents air while creating a pressure bubble in the breach, to simulate the bolt pushing out a paintball. You will not experience any more wear and tear than normal. The Eagle Eye can handle ROF's of up to 15 bps, and allows simple game configuration options like time, ammo, and lives.

To learn more about the Eagle Eye, visit www.PredatorGames.com.

Starting Your Laser Tag Business

2011-03-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of questions when starting up a laser tag business. What's the market size? Has it been growing? How much capital is involved? What equipment best fits my needs? Where and what do I offer? Some of this information is hard to find, but luckily there is an online resource providing that information and so much more. Even if you're a seasoned laser tag operator, there is plenty of helpful data.

Head over to www.lasertagstartup.com and sign up for membership. There are hundreds of successful users on the site and help is always just a few clicks away. You can even take a free tour before signing up and see what's offered. Some of the topics and information you can find include:

- Business Plans
- Site Selection
- Financing
- Course Design
- Operations
- Staffing
- Equipment

Lasertagstartup.com is perhaps the single biggest resource for the industry. They also host a large discussion forum, so the amount of information you can receive is endless.

When it comes to best outdoor laser tag equipment, Predator Games holds the lead. The services are stellar, the gear is affordable, and a very quick return on investment through several business options is offered.

Predator Games: On The News Again!

2011-03-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

Lasertag DFW in The Colony, TX, have once again been featured in a news segment showcasing their offered activities. The news clip features a few activities including Zorbing and paintball laser tag. The audience was introduced to these safe and fun activities and were encouraged to come check it out.

To learn more about Lasertag DFW, visit their site.

To learn more about Predator Games, go to www.predatorgames.com.

Going Mobile

2011-03-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

There IS a way your field or laser tag business can make more money this summer. It's possible with the addition of going mobile. Chances are, your customers have to come to you. This limits the amount of reach you have, which leads to plateaued revenue.

Going Mobile means bringing your laser tag services to your customers. You can bring your services to those birthday parties, corporate events, festivals, etc etc. Those customers will have more time and money to spend as they are not driving out to your place of business. You also expand your covered area or service. Your in-place laser tag business might only attract customers within a 45 mile radius. By driving outside of that area, you reach new markets and provide something to them they might not have otherwise purchased. Plus, now they are aware of your services and might make the trip to you some day. A mobile laser tag business is a great marketing tool in itself.

Running remote, mobile games is slightly different than running them at your normal field or store. Games have to be easier but still fun. Setting up the CCM is an option, but most mobile fields run Gun2Gun mode. This allows the participants to easily run and manage their own games. A birthday party of 10 year olds might be impatient, so letting them run games at their own pace will ensure a fun time. Choosing between a CCM and Gun2Gun mode really depends on your audience. If you're running mobile games at a festival or fundraiser, you can charge per game. Set up a 3 minute game, charge $5, and let them play. Do unlimited health and ammo and determine the winner with the highest amount of hits. Again, it depends on your audience.

Expanding your laser tag business should be a desire of yours. Going Mobile allows you to do just that. You might even find your mobile services generate more demand than your original location!

The American Rental Association Show - Success!

2011-03-09T13:11:00.001-08:00

Predator Games and Tippmann Sports recently attended that American Rental Association (ARA) Show at the beginning of March. This massively popular private show draws an attendance of thousands of rental business associates every year, and this event was better than ever. Las Vegas was the chosen destination, and the convention was held in the Mandalay Bay Center. All guests and attendees could easily walk down the Vegas strip for good food, shopping, and fun. The major area airport is also just a few minutes away.

The Predator/Tippmann booth was very attractively set up and drew a large crowd throughout the entire week. Foot traffic was higher at this show than any other in the past. Sales were strong as plenty of people have heard how successful renting laser tag is. Current customers stopped by to share their stories while new customers satisfied their curiosity. The big ticket item was the rental box, a rolling case containing six Barracuda's and Quick Start Instructions perfect for party planners and others.

No other laser tag company was in attendance, adding to the success of Predator Games. The Predator system is perfect for rental markets due to its extreme durability and simplicity. Viewers saw the durability of the units first hand, with dozens of 'drop-tests' conducted on the spot. They also learned how to run games and received advice on how to be successful and manage a quick ROI.

To learn more about the ARA Show, please visit www.therentalshow.com. Next year's show is in New Orleans, LA.

Safety First! Predator Games Safety Sheet

2011-02-23T10:01:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered about safety specifics regarding Predator Games paintball laser tag units? Now you can learn about some of the technology in Predator systems and how they work. If you're having trouble getting laser tag started in your area or with specific customers, show them this report and grow them into laser tag lovers!

Download the PDF now!

A Laser Tag Community: Laserforums.com

2011-02-17T10:23:00.000-08:00

Looking for a community of laser tag enthusiasts? Head over to www.laserforums.com. You can sign up for free to instantly begin browsing and posting on the hundreds of threads available. You'll find dozens of users with information, game ideas, and a willingness to help. Your laser tag business might be able to discover successful strategies to earn more revenue. There is even a section for home-made creations and tinkerers!

Laserforums.com also has a blog section with more cool information. Users can create a blog on this page for free. Further, the What's New page shows a lot of current happenings and new ideas for laser tag, gathered from around the world!

Predator Games has a growing presence on the site, so be sure to support the brand! We are currently in the process of building a company thread for all things Predator.

Inside irTactical

2011-02-09T10:36:00.000-08:00

The makers of Predator Games paintball laser tag recently launched a new brand of products geared towards law enforcement training. Advanced laser tag electronics are built into a very realistic platform that mirrors an actual firearm in looks, size, weight, and function. The first gun from irTactical is the irM4, modeled after the AR15/M16/M4 design. This gun is made of durable materials to withstand harsh use and various climate conditions.

The patented SmartMag powers the irM4. Slap it into the gun, cock the charging handle, flip from safe to fire, and begin shooting. The mag features a small air source and ammunition electronics. The air source creates a loud bang and felt recoil each time the gun is fired. A round is deducted from the mag count too, so that when you run out of ammo, the gun no longer fires. In the case of the irM4 SmartMag, it has 30 shots. A shooter could fire 10 shots, eject the mag, and pass it to his partner to finish the remaining 20 shots.

Trainees wear the irVest or irHarness to receive shots. Sensors pick up incoming shots and LED's illuminate to alert the wearer that they were hit. You can specifically see where you were shot and record that data. A beeper provides audible feedback. Up to 3 guns can be synced to each vest.

Aside from law enforcement, scenario gamers will enjoy this technology as well. It provides a very realistic experience for those seeking exactly that.

Plenty of features are available, and you can learn more at www.irTactical.com.

The True Value Rental Show

2011-02-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Predator Games and Tippmann Sports were recently at the True Value Rental Show in Orlando, Florida. The private show drew thousands of True Value store owners, operators, and affiliates to the Orlando convention center for few days of hands on browsing. They had a chance to check out the latest products in each of their store departments and attend several seminars to learn how to boost their business.

The Predator Games / Tippmann booth was in the rental section along-side the bouncy houses and power equipment. Several Barracuda units were on display and immediately caught the attention of passersby. Most people were curious about an alternative to the bouncy houses they already have. They sought out a different revenue source that appealed to older kids and those that have already enjoyed a bouncy house. Everyone was quick to learn that the low initial investment was quick to turn an ROI. Hands on demo's were provided to show ease of use, durability, and every feature.

Buyers could purchase a set of 6 Barracuda units inside of a weather proof, rolling case. This set up allows rental departments to easily distribute the product. Laser tag is an option that many parents, families, and kids will enjoy. They will without a doubt be back for more.

Get Return Customers - Player Accounts

2011-01-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

The goal for any enterprise is to get repeat business. After all, about 80% of business is done through returning customers. New customers only account for a small percentage of revenue. Paintball fields and laser tag centers are no different. There are many ways to get customers to return, and Predator Games helps businesses do that through an online player database.

Field owners should encourage players or common customers to create a www.PredatorGames.net player account, with a picture and other data they wish to share. This account will allow them to track their stats and compare them to anyone else in the world. They will also be able to find nearby paintball laser tag fields and compete in tournaments, if there are any.

Once they have an account, field owners can log them into the CCM when they show up to play. The player will simply enter in his email and password, and his information, including his player name, will automatically be downloaded to the CCM. New players who wish to have an account can sign up through the CCM as well. From there, a gun can be synced to that player and all their game data will record. Any tournament style game stats can be saved and placed online. After the player is done, the field owner can then upload all the scores to the internet through the CCM.

At any time, the player can log in online at see how they did. This will encourage repeat visits to their local laser tag business because they will strive to be the best or beat their friends. The video game ranking mantra is now a reality with Predator Games paintball laser tag. Some fields or businesses might even create a weekly league and award prizes at the end.

*It is important to note the computer being used for the CCM must be connected to the internet for the above functionality to work.

The Predator Games Social Experience 2.0

2011-01-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

The Predator Games social media sites, Twitter, Facebook, Blogspot, and Youtube, will be undergoing a redesign early in 2011. You might start noticing changes right away. The goal of these new looks is to bring the Predator web presence closer together. Users will be able to more easily recognize when something is affiliated with or related to Predator Games. The social sites will mirror the recent changes done to www.PredatorGames.com (.net and .info as well).

The social sites will also allow users to become more easily engaged with Predator Games by giving them more options for communication. A help tab will be set up on Facebook to let people submit troubleshooting requests or questions. A Predator representative will then be able to respond quickly via email to provide a solution.

Podcasts will also become part of the social experience in 2011. New videos will be posted every so often to engage viewers. These videos will be available on each site and iTunes. Topics will cover behind the scenes info, Predator events, and more.

There is a lot more in store, so keep your eyes peeled. We hope 2011 will be a great year for everyone involved. If you have any ideas for making the Predator Games social media experience better, let us know! You can contact us at social@predatorgames.com.

A Paintball Laser Tag Story - Part 4

2010-12-29T08:13:00.000-08:00

Tommy sat in that fox hole for a whole two minutes before some kind of movement occurred a short 30 feet away. It could have been a slight breeze rustling some bushes, but the movement was somewhat defined. Tommy knew only another kid could have created such a stir. Then, the unmistakable silhouette of a laser tag gun appeared. This was it! Tommy slowly brought up his laser tag gun and waited for the right moment.

The oncoming player happened to be Dane, a youngster who lived next to Tommy in the neighborhood. Dane was fast and was hoping to quickly maneuver around the field and eliminate the other team without stopping. He knew the field like the rest of the gang, since they had played all sorts of childhood games for years there. He was aware that several fox holes were situated just ahead of him and the possibility of someone hiding there was high. He slowed down and proceeded very carefully.

Just then, Tommy realized it was Dane. It would be ever so sweet to take him out! He thought, "sitting here will probably get me killed, and Dane probably knows someone is over here somewhere." He also noticed that there was a lot of fire and noise coming from elsewhere on the field. Those noises and shouting slowly died down, which probably meant that most of the others have been eliminated. Sitting and waiting could be good or bad, but Tommy wasn't going take that chance. He decided to take Dane by surprise.

Tommy got up and began moving quietly but as quickly as possible. Dane saw the movement and began firing but it was too late. Tommy had been running and hard to hit, plus was shooting non-stop when he got close enough. Dane had been taken out and Tommy did not stop moving. His careful quickness transitioned into a full out run as he intended to make any others hiding miss as well. He eventually came to the "D", a D-shaped base in a corner of the field near the other team's base.

Joe had been taken out and was walking the trail to leave the field and past Tommy. Tommy will never forget the look that Joe shot him as he left. It was one of surprise, confusion, and jealousy. Tommy took joy in the fact that his strongest opponent was no longer in the game. Anybody else left would be too easy. Just then he saw another body coming towards him along the trail. He quickly dove into the nearby woods.

Drew was coming into view and moving slowly. He had a pretty good idea of what went down and who was left. He was methodical and smart. He was in the middle of the large firefight that occurred and also noticed the shots from Dane and Tommy's area. He was walking along the trail fairly confident that most players were gone or far away. Just then, he noticed a player diving into the woods. He thought he recognized the clothing but wasn't sure and moved quickly to gain ground before being noticed.

Tommy peered out under the brush and noticed the other player coming along the trail was Drew, a teammate. He was excited and yelled to Drew to signal it was him and came out. They were glad to see each other still alive. Drew explained that he just shwo Joe out, while Tommy shared the Dane story. They linked up and then moved back towards their own base to sweep the field and eliminate any remaining kids. They moved easily and confidently and made it all the way back to their base safely. They then noticed Tim, looking off in the complete opposite direction. Tim had made his way to the base earlier during the firefights and thought he was sneaky as he waited for victims. Tommy and Drew knew Tim wasn't paying attention and quickly disposed of him to win the game!

They ran off the field and the other kids inquired as to what happened and who was left. Once it was learned that Tommy and Drew had won, their team let out a loud "Whoop!" while the other team was mad, making excuses, and grumbling amongst each other. The kids unanimously agreed to redivide teams and play again. One by one they headed back out into the field.

By now the sun was setting. The kids knew what they were going to do differently. They didn't know it at the time, but those hundreds of laser tag games lasting the next few years would create some of the best memories any of them would ever have.

The End.

The Best Indoor Lasertag Fields

2010-12-22T06:42:00.000-08:00

The cold weather doesn't have to prevent your planned laser tag outing. While playing outdoors can be a blast, playing indoors can offer some excitement not found anywhere else. Take a look at the best 3 indoor laser tag places, in our opinion, using Predator Games. If you don't happen to live nearby, you can head to Predator Games and use the field finder to search for Predator fields near you.

1. NY Paintball and Lasertag

NY Paintball has been using Predator Games paintball laser tag for over a year now. They are located in Queens, NYC, NY. While predominantly a paintball field, they have added arena laser tag to expand their customer base. Players of all ages can choose paintball or laser tag and play on similar speedball fields.

To raise the bar, NY Paintball has recently opened what is undoubtedly one of the coolest indoor laser tag arenas to date. The Asylum is appropriately named for it's maze of mayhem where players try to make it out alive. This haunted house type of facility allows players to play as zombies, SWAT teams, and more. The arena can be manipulated to create several layouts, ensuring no 2 games are alike. The sound, lighting, and special effects all add to the game and are fully customizable to suit any audience.

For more information, check out NY Paintball or The Asylum.

2. SWAT Lasertag

Located in Durbin, South Africa, SWAT Lasertag offers players a chance to play "cops and robbers" in a massive facility which includes elevators, a parking garage, and more. They also offer outdoor laser tag games and go mobile to your location is requested. The biggest successes of SWAT Lasertag include converting many paintball players into lasertag gamers. They have a dedicated following playing every week.

For more information, check out SWAT Lasertag.

3. Indoor Urban Paintball and Lasertag

Indoor Urban Paintball and Lasertag is located in King, NC. They added laser tag at the beginning of 2010 as a way to entice kids and families to check out the field. People of all ages can play lasertag, or if they are old enough, paintball. The most exciting element of Urban Paintball is their Blackhawk Down field. Players can battle in the streets of Somalia with real cars, buildings and windows, and much more. To heighten the experience, they have smoke machines and cool sound effects! The intensity of battle will surely keep you coming back for more.

To learn more, visit Indoor Urban Paintball.

All New: The Asylum

2010-12-16T07:00:00.001-08:00

Introducing the latest state-of-the-art facility using Predator Games laser tag. It's built from the ground up to provide a storied laser tag game unlike any other. NY Paintball has recently opened this facility to the delight of laser tag fans around the area.

Players entering the Asylum are basically trying to "make it out alive," and participate in a 9 game series lasting about an hour and a half. The facility features a scary themed building targeted towards players aged 16 and up. The lights, sounds, and passageways can all be manipulated to create a fantastic user experience.

Outside of the playing area, guests can rest in the Asylum lounge, a fancy area with couches, TV's, and more. Food can be ordered and good times will be had. All groups are encouraged to book a reservation, as business is picking up quickly.

Are you ready for the next level in Predator laser tag? Visit http://www.nyclasertag.com/asylum.html today!

Predator Games vs The World

2010-12-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

Often is the question asked: What makes your system better then the others? Well, take a look at the key differences between Predator Games paintball laser tag and a few competing companies. You'll find that like most products, each has a few distinct features, but when it comes down to it, Predator Games offers the most for your money.

Predator Games is the right choice.

Predator Games at IAAPA 2010

2010-11-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

The 2010 IAAPA Expo came to a close on Friday, Nov 11. This incredibly massive trade show is home to some of the biggest and most innovative entertainment products in the world. IAAPA (International Attractions and Amusement Part Association, www.iaapa.org) drew thousands vendors and attendees from around the globe and it was the perfect time to interact with industry professionals and make some sales. A quick walk around revealed some massive attractions ranging from waterfall projection screens and thrill rides, to haunted houses and special effects. Plenty of indoor and outdoor laser tag companies were also present.

Predator Games and Tippmann were on hand showing off paintball laser tag and also paintball. Traffic was high all week and the booth was fairly busy each day of the trade show. Several competitors were there, but their booths were often empty. Predator provided live demos, durability tests, and even helped visitors create some exciting new laser tag games to grow their business. Tippmann and Predator staff were able to meet with each visitor and explain the benefits of the system. Free dogtags were even given out!

This successful event should not be missed if you are in the entertainment industry, and every business can benefit from adding paintball laser tag to their line-up of offerings.

Laser Tag Scenario Games!

2010-11-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

Re-enacting some of history's biggest events can be very exciting and educational. If you're a field offering laser tag, you're able to draw in a huge crowd of people with a scenario game. Maybe even folks who wouldn't normally play laser tag. Scenario games offer several key experiences over traditional laser tag games and provide a storyline to engage every player. Field owners can design a game any way they like, set in the past, present, or future!

Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of scenario games is role playing! Players can sign up or be assigned various roles including general, scout, sniper, radio man, or even a spy. These players are given specific duties and must act in a certain way. Their job can benefit their team in some way and often dramatically shift the course of the game when used correctly. Everyone can participate and sometimes training is even offered on a role, before the game starts. The rest of the players on the team will know who is who and where to get information from.

Scenario games also require an interesting theme. Some of the best games are based on fact and historical events. Have you heard of D-Day, the world's largest paintball game? (www.ddayadventurepark.com) This is a great example of scenario play featuring accurate mission re-enactment. Themes can also be futuristic or imaginary, like zombies and aliens! If you're setting up a game, try to create a theme that draws your target audience.

Every scenario game needs props! You'll need cool items that serve a purpose to keep people engaged. A special "artifact" might grant the finder unlimited health, or allow them to sneak behind enemy lines. Finding a weapons cache may allow that person to take out buildings or vehicles. Props can even be just for looks, like a big gun or cool outpost.

You have roles and props, now you need missions! Missions are pre-determined by the scenario game host and are given out at the right times to the right people. The host might declare a certain time to be special, and that's when generals tell their snipers to find something or take someone out. Missions also include conquering various areas or bases and/or holding an area for a certain amount of time. Scoring can be calculated based on the time it takes to complete the mission or by finding so many of the targeted objects.

The possibilities are endless. Doing historical events might draw people who have actually participated in the real event. Veterans often attend war themed games and sci-fi fans will often flock to futuristic games. William Shatner held an annual Star Trek game for paintballers in the Chicagoland area, back in the early 2000's. Re-enactments occur all over the nation. A simple Google search and you'll have plenty of info!

A Paintball Laser Tag Story Part 3

2010-11-03T06:53:00.001-07:00

Word quickly spread among the kids in the neighborhood about this exciting new sport of laser tag that Tommy and Joe had discovered. Before long, every kid was asking for a laser tag gun for their birthday, for a holiday, or even just because. Some kids saved up and bought a gun on their own. The talk was in the air and planning began amongst the kids for the big game, where all the kids could play. Teams and secret alliances were formed on the bus and playground. Everyone knew what they wanted to do before even playing!

Finally, a Saturday arrived that provided nice weather and most of the kids were around to play. They met up after lunch at Joe's house in the back yard. The fall sun was beaming and the temperate was in the 60's, perfect for running around. The fall colors radiantly displayed a marvelous battlefield in front of those young eyes. The chatter began to escalate and before long teams were being decided on. All the previous plans went out the window. Now, it was all about who would be the best player. Who would be the top gun? They didn't care about game formats right now. It was all about who was left standing.

Tommy and Joe planned to play together since they were best friends, but the others would not have that, since they have played before and know the terrain pretty well. Eventually teams were split up and there were 4 kids on each team. They gathered as a team apart from each other to ensure the battle plans were not public. After a few minutes the teams followed one another into the woods and split in opposite directions.

While walking to their starting points, the kids plotted where they wanted to go and took mental notes of the field they crossed through. Tommy had a good idea of what he wanted his team to do and was confident Joe and his team could not compete. They finally got to the ends of the field to start and had a few minutes before it was time. Tommy informed everyone that Joe probably will play more defense but didn't know about the others. He suggested having a guy stay by the base to guard it while the others split up evenly to move down the field. On the other end, Joe was telling the team about various spots and wanted them to move up the field slowly and only in dense cover.

Tommy yelled, "Ready?" to which Joe yelled, "Yeah!" Tommy then let out a loud "GO!" and the teams bolted towards each other. It's amazing that nothing happened right away because all the kids were excited and just wanted to shoot the other guys. Some sense made its way into the minds of those darting ahead, beckoning them to not make any brash moves. A few minutes passed when suddenly the right side of the field, in the woodland strip, lit up with scattered gunfire. Someone had found someone else. Mumbled yelling was coming from the area and several of the kids from Tommy's team began migrating towards the noise in the hopes of catching the enemy distracted. Tommy kept moving though, he had to be sure no one was creeping around the left side. A fox hole presented itself and Tommy dug in, waiting for a passerby.

To be continued...

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

The time of year for jack-o-lanterns, costumes, and treats is here! Be sure to celebrate with your friends and carve the craftiest pumpkin ever. Enjoy the fall weather and spooky movies. Do you dress up? Send us a picture of your creative costume or Predator laser tag outfit and we'll send you a free t-shirt and dogtag! You must submit by Nov 2, 2010.

From all of us at Predator Games, have a Happy Halloween!

The 2010 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo

2010-10-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

The 2010 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo, or IAAPA, is just around the corner. This year the event is being held from November 15-19 in Orlando, Florida, the center of the amusement park world. The event draws thousands of attendees and buyers from all over the world to check out the hottest new entertainment products and other related services. You'll find everything from amusement park rides to small games.

The hottest item this year however, can be found at the Tippmann Sports / Predator Games booth. Predator will be on hand displaying the full line up of products. A live demo will be ongoing throughout the entire event, so guests can just pick up a gun and play. This is the best way to show how it works. Thousands of visitors to the booth are anticipated. Predator will be giving out PG dogtags, t-shirts, stickers, and more! Come say hi and learn about how Predator laser tag can boost your business. Forget those other "tagging" games, this is the real deal.

IAAPA is the place to be for the latest information, industry trending, and specialty tips. Dozens of speakers and workshops can be signed up for. No attendee leaves empty handed.

For more information on IAAPA, check out www.iaapa.org. For information on Predator Games, visit www.PredatorGames.com.

A Paintball Laser Tag Story (Part 2)

2010-10-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

He raced down the street towards his friend Joe's house. Joe had gotten a paintball laser tag gun a few weeks earlier as a gift. Tommy had loved playing with it when he was over but shooting at targets got boring after a while. Now that he finally had one, they could play the ultimate game! Joe lived in the back of the neighborhood and had a nice forested area to run around in. A few trails existed to give it a sense of rugged but established wilderness.

Tommy and Joe quickly plotted the accepted playing area and went in opposite directions. In a few minutes, Tommy would realize, that this would be the most fun he ever had. Joe's loud, squealing yell faintly made its way through the woods prompting Tommy to yell, "GO!" right back. Off they went.

Tommy had been playing in these woods for years now and knew where to go and what to do. His first plan of action was to sneak down the right side of the woods near the corn field and come up the hill turning left to get behind Joe. Joe was not the type to run straight into battle. Instead he preferred to move slowly and sit in covered places for periods of time before moving on. Tommy knew this. It would play to his advantage if Joe's eyes and movement were fixed in the forward position.

As Tommy was quickly but stealthily moving through the right side strip of woods, he heard a loud crack and instantly hit the ground. "What was that?" he wondered. Laying perfectly still, Tommy moved only his eyes as they scanned the surroundings. Everything was quiet. A soft breeze was blowing and the sound of the tree leaves rustling was the only thing to be heard. The sun was shining, but was just about to set for the evening. A few, uneventful minutes passed by before Tommy got up and continued his hunt.

Joe had found a nice hole and decided to stay there for a while. It had good cover and a nice field of view. After getting a little bored, he decided to throw a rock to his left, towards the cornfield into the woods. He hoped this might stir up something, although he wasn't sure what. Maybe it would even draw Tommy out if he was over there. The rock landed with a light thud and broke a stick or two. He waited. Nothing. Joe decided to get up and move a little bit forward. Tommy could be anywhere.

Tommy just got to the top of the hill and looked back over the field. The woods he just came through were to his left and a small clearing lay directly ahead. Just then, he saw a small glare among the trees for a second. "That's Joe." He quickly ran down the hill into the woods towards Joe. Joe's shiny gun gave him away. Tommy ran until he felt close enough then switched his priorities to quietly taking Joe out. He inched closer. Joe had just sit down again when he came into view.

Tommy got close enough for a good shot when all of the sudden an obnoxious voice rang out. "How come you don't just shoot him already!" Joe's brother, Tim, wandered into the woods out of curiosity and spotted the situation. Tommy didn't respond for fear of being discovered but it was too late. He mumbled in disbelief the way kids do when all their effort lead to nothing. He was still distracted by Tim's appearance when Joe shot him for the victory. "BEEP BEEP BEEP," rang Tommy's gun. He was OUT. He immediately stood up and ran after Tim.

"Why did you do that!? Couldn't you see that I was about to win?" Tommy yelled. "This was typical of Tim. Such a whiny little kid who had nothing better to do but ruin precious moments," he thought. Joe ran towards the two with a big smile on his face. It didn't matter that Tim was there and gave away Tommy. He had won! Tim ran back inside after getting the hint he wasn't wanted, but he had seen the excitement take place before his interruption.

Joe and Tommy discussed how awesome that was and were about to play again when the mother's began calling out that it was time to come in for dinner and homework. "What a bummer," they both mentioned as they headed back to their boring places of residence. This first night of the ultimate game would not quickly fade from memory. It stayed with them until sleep, lead to many dreams, stories, and future strategizing. Eventually, word got out on the school bus and elsewhere. The other neighborhood kids were interested. The bug had bitten.

To be continued...

Non-Traditional Paintball Laser Tag Games!

2010-10-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

While normal laser tag capture the flag and last man standing games are a blast, there are limitless options when it comes to creating other games that might not fall into the category of 'regular games.'

Have you seen the Zombie Shoot that Tippmann put on at the Tippmann World Challenge? Participants could grab an M16 paintball laser tag gun and shoot a hoard of manic zombies as they came out of the woods. Each shooter had 2 minutes to kill as many zombies as possible and the highest score won a prize after each shoot. The game was as simple as setting up a Tippmann M16 style marker with an Eagle Eye unit and then hanging another Eagle Eye unit around the necks of the zombies. The CCM controlled the game and counted the points. Take a look!

Another great paintball laser tag game you could try, is an obstacle course or adventure course with targets hidden throughout. The field owner could set up the CCM for a number of players, let's say 10 here. Player 1 is the participant and has an Eagle Eye fixed to his gun. The other 9 Eagle Eye units are place throughout a course and only serve as a 'target.' The player has to make it through the course as fast as he can while still hitting all the targets. You could even set it up for 2 players if you had enough Eagle Eyes, and make it a race.

If you want to get simpler, you could set up a joust or quick draw event. In quick draw, two players would have a laser tag unit in front of them on a table and are 50 feet from each other. On go, they have to pick up the gun and be the first to shoot the other OR the first to hit so many targets placed nearby. The joust has 2 players placed 300 feet apart in a themed course. On go, they charge straight at each other and the first to hit the other wins. Variations may include sideline shooters, goals to hit/shoot before they can shoot each other, and anything else.

The possibilities are endless. Have you made up a paintball laser tag game of any kind? Share it with us and we'll send you a free Predator Games t-shirt. You can post the game on our Facebook page or email it to social@predatorgames.com.

A Paintball Laser Tag Story Part 1

2010-09-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

He stepped out into the fall sunlight as the 3pm bell just finished sounding. The school day was over and Tommy had just one thing on his mind: to get home. Today was finally the day that it was supposed to arrive.

The bus ride had never taken so long before. "Why was the driver taking FOREVER," Tommy wondered. "The bus never goes this route!" Tommy had been anticipating this moment for just days, but it seemed like an eternity. As any kid can attest, ordering new things by mail was exciting but dragged on way too long. He raced home from the bus stop not even responding to the neighbor kids' chatter about hanging out later. He raced down the street and the house slowly came into view. The moment it appeared, Tommy focused his view on the front porch. But, it was empty.

He crossed the yard towards the house and a million things flew through his mind. "Had the delivery guy not come yet? Did someone steal it? Was it delivered to the wrong house?" He instantly went around to the back of the house to check the deck, but saw no box. Tommy grew more worried and sprinted into the house. The counter was empty! Nothing on the kitchen table! Just then, mom walked in and asked "Hey Tommy, how was school today?"

"Why did parents always care about the lamest things," Tommy thought to himself before hurriedly yelling "It was good but did a box come today?" "Not that I know of," replied his mom. "It had to come today!" as Tommy ran into his room. At that moment, his world stopped. On his bed lay a medium sized box perfect in every way. Even the brown cardboard was pretty looking and taped up beautifully.

"Whoopee!" he yelled. Dad must have beaten mom home from work and put the package in his room. Without taking a breath, Tommy proceeded to open the box. The bubble wrap was quickly removed and there it was. A brand new Predator Games Barracuda laser tag marker. Tommy finally had one. He could finally play laser tag with the rest of the neighborhood kids. "This is a great day," Tommy thought. He grabbed the gun, quickly shoved his already prepared batteries into it, and bolted out the door just as fast as he had come in.

...To be continued

The Paintball Extravaganza

2010-09-17T11:31:00.001-07:00

Those of you lucky enough to attend the 2010 Paintball Extravaganza in Anaheim, CA saw just how awesome this event is. Designed to fully help new and existing paintball stores and fields create a successful entity, the event drew hundreds of businesses from around the world. Among the dozens of vendors was Predator Games paintball laser tag, within the Tippmann booth. Three days of browsing brought a ton of people into the Tippmann area to check out their products and also the Predator gear. No negative feedback was heard and curiosity jumped. A few young kids even got the chance to play a game, right in the show! Field owners learned how paintball laser tag can benefit their business: by allowing younger kids to try paintball without the pain or safety concern, giving the tournament players a cheaper way to drill and practice, and to allow a field to go mobile in order to cater to birthday parties, corporate events, and more. Live CCM demos were shown and field owners were quick to point out how easy game set-up was.

Among the other interesting things found at the event was the unveiling of the new HydroTec Paintball. This new paintball claims to be weather, water, and abuse proof. It's manufactured with a new method not requiring animal product and is controlled in a way that exacts specifications from batch to batch. Attendees could take part in a number of conferences as well, learning about air safety, marketing their business, and more. For more information on the vendors and event itself, check out www.pb-events.com.

Predator Games Online - All New Websites!

2010-09-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

You may have seen the new Predator Games websites come to fruition over the past few weeks. With the launch of the last step, PredatorGames.com, the website renovation is complete. Details for each new website are listed below! Finding information on paintball laser tag has never been easier and more exciting. You'll find links to our social media websites as well at the bottom of every page.

www.PredatorGames.com

The flagship website for all Predator Games paintball laser tag products is the latest and final website to be revamped and completed. This new website is now more visually appealing and easier to navigate. You will find a good amount of general information and plenty of visuals. The home page features a slide show of each Predator product being used. Click on the image to be directed to the product's page. Each product page mentions the features and benefits of the product. PredatorGames.com also features the new Field Finder. Find any registered field in the world to learn more about them or get driving directions. Each, month a field will be showcased as the Feature Field. Click on this tab to see the monthly choice and a description of the business. This is a great way to learn about what other fields are doing to be successful. Browsers interested in seeing paintball laser tag in action can visit the image gallery for a variety of pictures focusing on each target audience. Lastly, site visitors can learn about purchasing systems, find customer support, or be directed to the player community site, www.PredatorGames.net.

www.PredatorGames.net

The world-wide player community site was the first Predator site to be revamped and launched with the new, sleek layout. Players and fields sign up to become a PredatorGames.net member and create a profile on this site. Profiles feature a bit of player information including location, local field, and a mugshot. Scores uploaded from the CCM are tracked here, meaning you can see the player ranking system at any time. Find out who the best players in the world are, and strive to beat their scores. You'll also find the Field Finder here and a link to the Predator help page. All field owners using a CCM must first register at www.PredatorGames.com as a field.

www.PredatorGames.info

Perhaps the most informative of the Predator Games websites is www.PredatorGames.info, the help and documentation site. You'll find the latest news and information on this page. The monthly Predator Games newsletters are archived here. You can download any issue you want. The user manuals for each product are also found on the site and can be downloaded should you need them in hard form. Instructional videos are available for those tougher repair jobs. Thorough details on repairing a bad speaker or operating the CCM are among the videos to view. Whenever a new software update is made available, it will be stored on PredatorGames.info. You can download it hassle free and never need a disc. If you need the CCM software at any time, head here to get it. Finally, our hi-res marketing images are available for fields and businesses to use in their own marketing materials. Show off your Predator systems by downloading these ultra-sharp product and action images. Predator Games contact info is found on the last tab if you should need any help beyond what is provided on the page.

When it comes to keep you informed and entertained, we're here for you. If you would like additional information on any of the pages listed above, or have a few ideas, we'd like to hear them! Send us an email: social@predatorgames.com. If you would like to be a Feature Field, email that same address with subject "FEATURE FIELD." Details will be sent to you.

The Eagle Eye: As Seen on TV!

2010-09-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

Commando Paintball in Green Bay, WI recently held their annual Family Fun Day. This year, they had 10 Eagle Eye systems from Predator Games on hand for some intense laser tag. The Eagle Eyes were dropped onto their rental fleet of Piranhas and distributed to the attendees. The day featured non-stop games of 5 on 5 laser tag taking place in the woods and on the airball field. Dozens of families, kids, paintballers, the newscrew, and groups all came out to play a little paintball laser tag. The weather was perfect and all enjoyed corn on the cob and grilled hot dogs in between games.

The earlier part of the day brought the local Fox Channel 11 to the field for it's Good Day Wisconsin show. The episode showcased what Commando had to offer including paintball and laser tag. The complete TV spot can be found here: Family Fun Day

The laser tag segment, featuring the Eagle Eye is shown here: http://tinyurl.com/29lazga

Your Chance to Shine - Become a Feature Field

2010-08-11T06:22:00.000-07:00

By far the most popular segment of the Predator Games monthly newsletter is the Field Spotlight. Each month, the field listed is clicked on the most and those fields report a good jump in traffic. We are taking this to the next level on the newly redesigned www.PredatorGames.com website launching later this month.

A new page, Feature Field, will be found at the top of the site for easy spotting and navigation. This page will focus on a single laser tag business or field for one month*. Forget the clutter and mess of advertising, this is the best way to show off your place in the laser tag world. The page will show a picture and logo of the business being featured, and also have a short description with contact info.

There are several perks to becoming a Feature Field. First of all, it's completely free. It's first come first serve, so we urge you to sign up right away. Second, we promote the page heavily in both our newsletters and regular marketing materials. Lastly, our websites receive thousands of hits every week. That's a big audience. Don't forget, it's a great way to see what other fields are doing successfully.

To become a Feature Field, simply email social@predatorgames.com with subject "FEATURE FIELD." We will send you a short questionnaire and info sheet. All you have to do is fill it out and return to us and we'll put you in the cue.

*If an overwhelming amount of fields sign up, the one month period will be shortened as needed. You will always be guaranteed at least one week of being listed. We want to accommodate everyone.

A Few Laser Tag Game Ideas

2010-08-04T11:11:00.001-07:00

Everyone knows and enjoys playing capture the flag or elimination. These laser tag and paintball games are the standard most players follow. Why should you stop there? The amount of games you can create and run effectively is limitless. Field owners, players, and parents will enjoy themselves when setting up these games and seeing the smiles. Below are a few game ideas picked up from various fields and lasertag centers over the years. Give them a try, modify them, and share your own ideas!

The Island

The Island is a team focused game that requires a fair amount of strategizing. Here is the story. A bunch of criminals were dropped off on a remote island because of overcrowded prisons on the mainland. These criminals were left to fend for themselves. However, a few politicians got upset about that and they decided to drop off three crates of food every month for the prisoners. Now, the criminals have split themselves into two factions and began waring for the food.

Prior to the game start, have the ref or a person place 3 boxes close together somewhere on the field. Make sure they are readily visible and somewhat large so that a person can carry only one. Divide up two teams and have them head to a starting point equal distances from the food. Their bases need to be visibly marked and distinguishable.

The goal of the game is to get as many of the crates as you can back into your base. You get a point for each crate captured (in your base). However, the game will last for 20 minutes. During this time, you can capture crates and have them taken away. You are only awarded points depending on where the crates are at the END of the game. If they are in the field somewhere, no points are awarded. The team with the most points wins. Both offensive and defensive tactics are needed.

The Bomb

The Bomb is an attack and defend game where two teams focus on a single object, the bomb. The story: American intelligence has discovered a plot to blow up a large part of a city in the Middle East. Special forces were quickly dispatched to disarm the bomb. They arrived at the city entrance and instantly met a heavy defense from dug-in militants.

Split up two teams - the militants and the special forces. You also need a "bomb" device placed in the center of the field. The bomb has to be visible and kept in a non-mobile location. It can't be moved. The special forces will start outside of the field and the militants will start closer to, but not by the bomb. Upon game start, the special forces have 10 minutes to get to the bomb and disarm it (capture it) and win the game. The militants win by successfully defending the bomb for ten minutes.

Blackhawk Down

Blackhawk Down is a hunt and survive game. A chopper has crashed in dangerous territory. Most of the crew are still alive and must wait for help to come. Swarms of rebels are moving towards the downed chopper with one goal: to kill the crew.

Divide up two teams and place one team (the crew) in a central location that is fairly unprotected. The other team (rebels) are to be split into two squads and placed in locations opposite of each other with the crew somewhere in the middle. Upon game start the rebels must kill all the crew members within 5 minutes to win. If ANY member of the crew survives for 5 minutes, they win. Crew and rebels are allowed to go anywhere on the field.

Battle Royale

This simple yet chaotic game is most effective with large amounts of people (20 or more). The players are on their own. Give them 200 rounds of ammo and 5-10 lives. Find a large open field (a few trees and brush are ok) and place the players all around the field at equal distances from each other. When the game starts, the players must charge forward into battle. The last player standing wins. If they run out of ammo, they are still alive until killed. In the event of a tie, the two players are given 5 ammo and 1 life and placed 100 feet apart. They must charge at each other trying to hit the other person. They can only run in a straight line (like a joust). The survivor wins.

The #1 Reason Why Paintball Laser Tag is Better

2010-07-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's simple, you can play anywhere.

Your house, your work, a field, a barn, the neighborhood, a paintball field, an old factory, the woods, your basement, living room, the list goes on forever.

Now you have the 5th and final reason why Predator Games Paintball Laser Tag is better than the competition. Submit those 5 reasons to social@predatorgames.com with subject "JULY CONTEST" to be entered to win a PG T-shirt and dog tag!

Team Siege Trains With The Eagle Eye

2010-07-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

The Eagle Eye is perfect for building your paintball skills. Team Siege out of Mukwonago, WI recently held a practice with the Eagle Eyes. They ran 2v2 drills and improved their skills.

See the team in action:
http://ping.fm/bHOta

The players were satisfied with a break from paintball while still building skills. They spent no money on paint and practiced until it was too tiring to run another game.

Find out how YOUR team can benefit at www.predatorgames.com or www.paintballlasertag.com.

Bringing Your Corporate Team Closer Together

2010-07-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

There is nothing worse than a work place full of people who don't want to be there. Worse, a place where employees are not social and personal conflicts run rampant. Among the ways to bring your work place closer together and build teamwork, lies paintball laser tag. Nothing compares to the fun and camaraderie provided by the game.

Have you considered team building exercises before? Costs are often a big factor during these economic times but the rewards for investing in a few hours of paintball laser tag outweigh any costs. A good boss takes any opportunity he can to bring his team closer together. If you're an employee, suggest the game for an upcoming event or picnic to your supervisor. Maybe they have some pull to make it happen.

So why is paintball laser tag so effective in bringing employees together? Well, the game involves teams. Players must work TOGETHER to defeat the opposing team. Strategies, planning, and communication all come into play. People have to collaborate to succeed.

Another big plus is the amount of fun to be had. Players will laugh and share memories of their favorite moments and games with other players, even their opponents. Friendships may appear or grow stronger. Fun can bring people together in ways working together cannot. The stress-free environment contributes to no hard feelings.

Paintball laser tag offers several benefits to corporate teams and other workforce groups. There is no pain, mess, or projectile involved. You can play paintball laser tag anywhere. Safety is not a concern unless you're playing on dangerous terrain. Players do not have to worry about being struck with anything or a mess on their clothes. The game can be brought to the workplace for play indoors and out. The costs are low to rent any number of systems and the option to have a 3rd party host the event is available. Several mobile laser tag businesses might be in your area.

For more information on paintball laser tag, visit www.predatorgames.com or www.paintballlasertag.com. You can tons of pictures and videos on our social media pages.

Becoming A Feature Field

2010-07-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

Your field and/or lasertag business deserves recognition and the chance to grow. That's why Predator Games has created the Featured Field page on our new website. This new website (redesigned www.predatorgames.com) will be rolling out in the upcoming months and the Featured Field page will be easy to find. This page is dedicated to one field only, per month.

You're probably wondering, "Is it worth my time and will it be successful?" OF COURSE IT IS. If nothing else, hundreds of people have become aware of your presence and know what you offer. FIFTY PERCENT of clicks and inquiries on our monthly newsletter and social media sites link to FIELDS. The Field Spotlight section of the monthly Predator Games newsletter is by far the most popular and this Featured Field page is expanding on that success.

Everyone has a chance to become featured. Are you interested? We want to hear from YOU. Becoming a featured field is completely free. All you have to do is email social@predatorgames.com with the subject "FEATURED FIELD" and we will send you a short questionaire to fill out. Replay with your info, a logo, and some pictures, and you will be placed on the que to become a Featured Field.

We will be starting the page featuring 1 field per month. If an overwhelming response is incurred, the schedule will have to be adjusted. We have already begun receiving requests, so submit yours today!

If you have any questions, call us at 262-458-1000. To sign up for the monthly newsletter, email social@predatorgames.com with subject "NEWSLETTER."

Getting Your Youngster Involved

2010-07-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

Kids can be a bit tricky when trying to guess activities and hobbies they might like. One minute they love something, and the second their pal says they hate it, they do too. Kids can have a short attention span and require something that keeps them active and focused. Video games are a big attention grabber but outdoor things like catch come off as a little "slower" and lose attention fast. Depending on the age of your kids, they may or may not be open to having parents around either.

There IS a nice medium that kids can enjoy between themselves or with adults. Laser tag.

Laser tag can be seen as a cross between video games and hide-n-seek. It's the ultimate combination of fun and adventure. For those parents afraid of "guns" and the behavior their kid might learn, you have nothing to fear. Laser tag is the farthest thing from shooting a real firearm. Laser tag games build team work safely and help promote fairness and friendship. Imagination is allowed to run wild too. Kids can create their own games, pretend they are in a movie, and even learn about winning and losing. Your kid will meet other kids with the same interests and it's possible they will even become friends. They'll find it hard to hate something so fun.

The excitement of laser tag encourages physical activity, yet the risk for bodily harm remains low. As a parent, you can set the boundaries for playing laser tag and choose the environment. Play in the woods, the garage, or just in the open yard. There are unlimited activities.

Give your kid or family something fun to do. Try laser tag. You can find laser tag at various entertainment centers, paintball fields, or even at True Value rental centers. For more information, check out www.predatorgames.com or www.paintballlasertag.com.

Corporate Party Lasertag!

2010-06-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Lasertag Anywhere in Brookfield, WI recently brought their portable laser tag arena to Hartford, WI for the Quad Graphics company picnic. An inflatable field was set up and immediately the line began to form. It never died down.

Three minute 6 on 6 games were played and everyone from moms, dads, kids, bosses, and guests enjoyed playing. The slideshow says it all:

Corporate Fun!

For more information on paintball laser tag, visit www.predatorgames.com or www.paintballlasertag.com. For info on LaserTag Anywhere, visit www.lasertaganywhere.com.

Lasertag versus Paintball: What's the difference?

2010-06-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

The differences between paintball and laser tag are vast. Both offer advantages as well as disadvantages. You can decide which is for you, but laser tag caters to a larger crowd overall.

To start, laser tag can be played by people of all ages. Paintball is limited to kids older than 12 and people healthy enough to handle the pain and physical strain associated with it. Laser tag can be very exciting while allowing players to take it easier. Kids often disregard rules simply because they do not know any better. Paintball uses projectiles and pressurized equipment, so this can be a liability. Laser tag requires less safety equipment and rules.

Laser tag is also far more affordable than paintball. The cost of paintball for a day of play averages around $100 at most fields. Plus, you need to buy expensive gear to play if you decide not to rent. Laser tag costs an average of just $20 dollars for a day of play. Most people rent equipment, which is cheaper than buying anything. You can play laser tag longer when costs are a factor.

Although paintball fields can be cool looking and adventurous, you have to travel to the field to play. If you play on your own space, you need to select an area far enough away from people or buildings to keep things safe. Laser tag can be played anywhere, indoors and outdoors with no regard for nearby people or objects except where the use of guns may be considered touchy.

Laser tag should not be considered a replacement for paintball, but rather a supplement. You should play the one that appeals to you, but keep an open mind for the other during those worst case scenarios where weather, money, or guests can determine what you do.

To learn more about paintball laser tag, visit www.predatorgames.com or www.paintballlasertag.com.

Father's Day Activity - Paintball Laser Tag!

2010-06-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Dads and families now have another option when deciding what to do for Father’s Day. Have you thought about paintball laser tag? Everyone can play together and have a blast. While the batting cages, mini golf, and go-karts can be fun, paintball laser tag is much more exciting and encourages players to work together as a team. Forget the mess and pain of traditional paintball and opt for the safe and clean version that even mom will play.

Paintball laser tag is very similar to regular laser tag. Predator Games has two different versions of laser tag systems. The first, the Eagle Eye, drops onto existing paintball makers and activates when the gun is fired. The only difference is now you are shooting a safe beam of light as opposed to a projectile of paint. The second system is a stand alone laser tag gun requiring no air source. This completely electronic gun is ideal for saving further costs and playing in sound sensitive environments. Paintball laser tag can be played anywhere. There are dozens of fields that supply paintball laser tag units for rental and you can also head to your local rental center or entertainment center.

The whole family will enjoy those “gotcha” moments and the stories will be told for a long time to come. For more information on playing paintball laser tag, visit www.predatorgames.com or www.paintballlasertag.com.

Host Exciting Parties With Paintball Laser Tag!

2010-06-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

It doesn’t matter if you are throwing a party for your 50 year old dad, your 6 year old kid, or your fellow employees. You want a combination of 3 things: activities that everyone can enjoy together, affordable costs, and something exciting enough to have everyone talking about it for a long time to come. Sometimes, finding the right ingredients can be hard. It doesn’t have to be.

The perfect party solution lies in paintball laser tag. Designed by Predator Games and sold by Tippmann USA, paintball laser tag systems are 100% safe, clean, and fun. You can choose to drop on an Eagle Eye system onto existing paintball markers or opt for the Barracuda, a basic laser tag gun requiring no air source. Projectiles are non-existent so no protective gear is needed.

Games can be set up for any number of people in any environment. Make up any rules you want and play immediately! Play capture the flag, elimination, or kids versus adults! The possibilities are endless and by the end of the day, you’ll hear participants boasting of their skills and sharing stories. Paintball laser tag is perfect for team building exercises or kids who just want to run around.

To learn more, check out www.predatorgames.com or www.paintballlasertag.com.

Lowering your paintball costs with the Eagle Eye.

2010-06-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

The average paintball player spends around $100 every weekend for a few hours of paintball. This cost can spiral out of control and limits the amount of time spent playing the game or honing your skills. Not everyone can afford the high costs of playing paintball, especially when you factor in the cost of decent gear. What if you could practice and play paintball longer without spending another dollar on paint?

Enter: the Eagle Eye drop-in paintball laser tag system. You don’t have to give up playing paintball but you can practice even longer by using this paintball laser tag system from Predator Games. You can train and hone your skills the same way you normally would except without paint. The Eagle Eye system drops onto an existing paintball marker and uses the vibrations of the gun firing to activate. You score hits by successfully tagging the opponents system. Both the shooter and the player getting hit will know who hit who. No paint costs involved so you can play for hours longer. Since there is no flying paint, coaches and teammates can work with you at personal distances to sharpen your skills.

Team Tippmann Uses the Eagle Eye

To learn more about paintball laser tag or to see if a field near you supplies Predator systems, check out www.predatorgames.com or www.paintballlasertag.com.

Getting new players into paintball? Not hard.

2010-05-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Growing players into paintball has never been easier. Sometimes they are too young. Sometimes money is a factor since paintball can be expensive. Other times the pain and mess are just too much to bear and discourages them from trying again. It looks exciting, but they are kept on the sidelines.

All of those problems disappear with paintball laser tag from Predator Games. Age, costs, pain, and the mess are no longer a barrier to entering paintball. New players can try out the game in a less stressful environment and work on their skills in order to compete on the next level. Parents will feel secure knowing their kids are enjoying a safe game and having a blast doing it.

Even more experienced paintball players will love paintball laser tag. Practicing drills is now more affordable than ever. Others can stand nearby and coach without the hassle of a mask. Running games for fun now costs nothing and perhaps even the newer players won’t mind being integrated into a game full of veterans.

Find out more at www.predatorgames.com or www.paintballlasertag.com.

Laser Tag - No Longer Boring

2010-05-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Did you know that laser tag is growing substantially? There are over 770 laser tag locations in the USA and over 1400 worldwide. Laser tag places can be found almost anywhere! If you are looking for the most realistic experience or something similar to paintball, check out Predator Games paintball laser tag equipped fields and arenas. Take most standard paintball guns, drop on the Eagle System, and be up and running instantly. No paint needed. For a truly 100% laser tag experience, try the Barracuda system. This super durable laser tag gun can also be set up instantly and requires only batteries!

Fields and arenas can control player stats, game types, player info, and more with the Central Command Module, or CCM. Sync any Predator Games system up the CCM, create a game, and track all the stats! This is a great way for players to see who scored the highest. All scores can be uploaded to the internet for players to compete against others around the world!

2010-05-18T14:02:00.001-07:00

Cost of paintball getting you down? Check out Predator Games Paintball Laser Tag! Save tons of money on paint costs. www.predatorgames.com

2010-05-18T13:01:00.001-07:00

Did you know that the Predator Games system allows you to upload scores to the internet? Find out who's the best in the world!

2010-05-18T12:00:00.001-07:00

Introduce new and young players to the sport of paintball. Let them try harmless, clean, and fun paintball laser tag!

2010-05-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

If you have friends who are interested in paintball, but don�t like the pain or costs, try Predator Games paintball laser tag with them!

2010-05-18T10:03:00.001-07:00

Gain control of your paintball laser tag games, keep player stats, and customize game types by using a Predator Games Command Center Module.

2010-05-18T09:25:00.001-07:00

The Barracuda paintball laser tag system is a Tippmann paintball marker built into an electronic gun requiring no air source. Play instantly

2010-05-18T08:12:00.001-07:00

Dozens of field owners, rental centers, and laser tag businesses have been using Predator Games paintball laser tag. www.predatorgames.com

2010-05-17T14:03:00.001-07:00

Cost of paintball getting you down? Check out Predator Games Paintball Laser Tag! Save tons of money on paint costs. www.predatorgames.com

2010-05-17T13:02:00.001-07:00

Did you know that the Predator Games system allows you to upload scores to the internet? Find out who's the best in the world!

2010-05-17T12:04:00.001-07:00

Introduce new and young players to the sport of paintball. Let them try harmless, clean, and fun paintball laser tag!

2010-05-17T11:03:00.001-07:00

If you have friends who are interested in paintball, but don�t like the pain or costs, try Predator Games paintball laser tag with them!

2010-05-17T10:03:00.001-07:00

Gain control of your paintball laser tag games, keep player stats, and customize game types by using a Predator Games Command Center Module.

2010-05-17T09:10:00.001-07:00

The Barracuda paintball laser tag system is a Tippmann paintball marker built into an electronic gun requiring no air source. Play instantly

2010-05-17T08:04:00.001-07:00

Dozens of field owners, rental centers, and laser tag businesses have been using Predator Games paintball laser tag. www.predatorgames.com

2010-05-14T11:35:00.001-07:00

Cost of paintball getting you down? Check out Predator Games Paintball Laser Tag! Save tons of money on paint costs.

Who knew post-prom was this much fun!?

2010-05-12T14:26:00.001-07:00

Kids at a certain high-school in South-Eastern Wisconsin had an exciting post-prom activity waiting for them at the school! The Siege Paintball was on hand ready to provide students with a night of paintball laser tag, right in the school gym!

See the pictures here: Slideshow

A complete inflatable field was set up and teachers, students, and dates all had a chance to play an intense game of laser tag! Everyone who attended had a great time and those students not graduating could not wait for next year!

Paintball laser tag leaves no mess or pain and is fun for everyone.

For more information, contact The Siege Paintball at 262-363-9735 or Predator Games at 888-450-1221.

Link up with Predator Games Anywhere!

2010-05-04T08:40:00.001-07:00

Check us out in these various places around the web.

www.facebook.com - Search Predator Games
www.myspace.com/pblasertag
www.twitter.com/pblasertag
www.youtube.com/pblasertag

Stay tuned for important info and tips!

Introduction to Predator System

2010-04-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Predator Games blog!

2010-04-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

Predator Games is the manufacturer of the Eagle Eye and Barracuda paintball laser tag system. You can enjoy a safe, clean, and fun way to experience paintball!

Kids too young to play paintball will love paintball laser tag!

Adults enjoying a company team-building exercise can stay clean!

Parents and field owners can comfortably know that those using the Predator Systems will be safe and those nearby completely unharmed.

Predator Games and Tippmann have teamed up to distribute Predator systems. With giant names like that, you can't go wrong.

Check back here often to catch up on the latest news, tips, and surprises from Predator Games!

For more information visit www.PredatorGames.com.