When people think of laser tag, they often envision dark rooms, flashing lights, and the frantic rush of players in confined spaces. However, a pair of entrepreneurial Canberrans is transforming this traditional image by taking the game outdoors and creating a full-scale bushland experience that is rapidly gaining popularity in the region.
Run by co-owners Simon Heery and Jon Yagos, First Strike Laser Tag offers an innovative twist on the classic game by hosting regular field days at Fadden Pines Bushland. Here, players can engage in strategic battles across 2,400 square meters of natural terrain. The dense trees, open spaces, and natural cover replace the narrow corridors of indoor arenas, offering what the duo describes as a more immersive and dynamic way to play.
A New Dimension to Laser Tag
“Our field days are really the heart of what we do,” Simon Heery explains. “You’re not confined to a small, dark room. You’ve got space to move, natural cover, and a completely different atmosphere.” This innovative approach grew from a shared childhood love of laser tag and a mutual desire to introduce something novel to Canberra’s recreational offerings.
The concept was born out of Jon Yagos’s early experiments with commercial-grade laser tag equipment, which eventually led to a fortuitous meeting with Simon, a robotics engineer intrigued by the evolution of laser tag technology. “Laser tag has changed massively since the 90s,” Simon notes. “The gear we use works in full sunlight, has a range of up to 180 meters, and can be customized in ways most people wouldn’t expect.”
Customization and Accessibility
Customization is at the core of the First Strike experience. Sessions are actively game-mastered, with staff adjusting gameplay on the fly to suit each group. This includes tweaking health levels, weapon types, sound, lights, and recoil, making the game accessible for younger players, older participants, and those with sensory or physical needs.
“We don’t mix groups,” Jon Yagos emphasizes. “When you book an hour, it’s just your group. We usually run four or five different games, and we tailor them to what people want, whether that’s fast-paced chaos or something more tactical.”
Players have the option to choose different weapon styles, ranging from sniper rifles to machine guns, and can even select class-based roles such as medic or assault trooper. Each tagger includes recoil and reload functions, adding a physical, almost video game–like feel to the experience.
Community and Social Impact
“We want it to feel like a real-life game,” Simon states. “It’s active, it’s social, and it gets people outdoors having fun.” This approach has resonated with a broad audience, including families, kids’ parties, sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique recreational activity.
First Strike Laser Tag offers a uniquely Canberra experience, blending cutting-edge technology, physical activity, and the natural beauty of bushland into an engaging and memorable adventure. The move represents a significant shift in how laser tag is perceived and played, challenging traditional notions and expanding the possibilities of outdoor recreation.
Looking Ahead
As outdoor laser tag continues to gain traction, Simon and Jon are optimistic about the future. They plan to expand their offerings and introduce new game modes that further enhance the player experience. The success of First Strike Laser Tag also highlights a growing trend towards outdoor and experiential activities, reflecting a broader shift in consumer preferences towards more active and interactive forms of entertainment.
For now, First Strike Laser Tag stands as a testament to innovation in recreational activities, offering a fresh and exhilarating way to enjoy the great outdoors in Canberra.
