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Funworld February 2012
The expanding scope of interactive laser experiences by Michael Mascioni For the purposes of this article, interactive laser experiences are defined as those allowing users with laser guns, laser pointers, wands, or other devices to control, manipulate, or otherwise interact with laser beams in leisure facilities. These have been typically classified in two main categories: laser tag games or interactive dark rides incorporating laser gun elements. But that narrow conception is gradually changing as the scope of interactive laser experiences in museums, amusement parks, and other attractions expands to include laser graffiti, interactive laser planetariums, and even laser harps. Jeff Schilling, chief architect of experiences at Creative Works Theme Factory, believes interactive laser experiences have become more significant in attractions due to the changing market for entertainment centers and amusement parks. Since consumers have less time and more choices, leisure facilities have been forced to make adaptations in the experiences they offer. Laser Games
The company expanded the scope of laser games with Lazer Frenzy, a “very interactive experience” that Schilling describes as a “mini-arcade game piece that accepts tokens and bills” but also serves as a standalone attraction. The game allows visitors to play at different skill levels and lasts one minute. Many leisure facilities have incorporated it into their other experiences, utilizing it to generate valuable additional revenue, says Schilling, averaging approximately $1,500 per week off a $13/person charge. The game has been installed at about 100 locations in the past two years at an install cost of $30,000 apiece. Lasers in Science Centers
Andrews believes laser tag experiences would have great potential in museums and science centers if such issues as insurance could be resolved, particularly because those experiences would appeal to young adults “whose interest in science centers has waned.” Schillng agrees; in fact, his company has been in discussions with two museums about Lazer Frenzy. He believes Lazer Frenzy could be applied essentially as an “interactive display,” showcasing laser technology and allowing visitors to learn about the measurement of light. Such interactive displays would help educate kids about the technology behind lasers.
Hill developed a 38-inch-tall laser harp with eight green lasers for the Trans Studio Science Center in Jakarta, Indonesia, which is due to be introduced in February. The harp is driven by a multimedia MIDI controller and incorporates a computer and stereo sound system. Hill also developed a laser harp themed to King David for the Jewish Children’s Museum in Brooklyn, New York, which was introduced in January. Users can press one of the buttons linked to the harp (which light up when pressed) to select one of three traditional Jewish melodies to be played. In addition, Hill has developed a newer version with eight green lasers for the Ashland Science Works Museum in Oregon, which “will shine the lasers across an entire room and allows adult visitors to break the laser beams above their heads.” Laser Graffiti Sensaa’s laser graffiti system—primarily used in event-based/ nonpermanent street installations—allows graffiti to be displayed on a building using a video camera and computer, along with a green laser pointer and high-power video projector. Typically this laser graffiti has drawn strong crowd involvement, reports Angel Sastre, Sensaa’s managing director. Sensaa has developed additional applications of its laser system, including a laser-based scratch-n-win game, he explains. Michael Mascioni is a freelance writer on digital media and conducts market research within that area of expertise. He formerly was a senior analyst in the broadband entertainment group at Strategy Analytics.
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Creative Works Theme Factory offers laser tag in 300 facilities, and attendance at those locations has grown rapidly, reports Schilling. In fact, a range of attractions, such as bowling alleys and skating rinks, are retrofitting part of their buildings—removing lanes and shortening rinks—to accommodate laser tag.
Interactive laser experiences have gained a foothold in planetariums and science centers, especially. The Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, is a pioneer in this regard. The Sawyer Space Dome planetarium at the center uses an Evans and Sutherland single laser projection system housing three laser cavities generating red, green, and blue lasers, explains Greg Andrews, planetarium manager for the center. The planetarium’s screen is tilted at a 45-degree angle relative to the guests, affording a view that is more directly in front of them. The science center introduced three main interactive laser attractions in November 2006:
Laser Harp