Zone Laser Tag

Zone Laser Tag is an Australian-based laser tag brand and manufacturer, founded in 1987 by Patrick Holmes and Frank Stace in Melbourne, Australia. The company designs, develops, and supplies laser tag equipment to venues globally. Zone Laser Tag is recognized as one of the world's leading laser tag system providers, with over 950 locations worldwide.

History

Zone Laser Tag was founded in 1987 under the name Phasor Strike in Melbourne, Australia. Its first and second-generation equipment established the foundation for the brand's gameplay mechanics.

The company's early years coincided with a broader Australian emergence in commercial laser tag:

• In 1986, Vultrek received a patent for its laser tag equipment from IP Australia.
• In 1987, Geoff Haselhurst developed the Quasar system, later marketed internationally as Q-Zar.
• In 1988, Kelly Brothers Games founded Laserforce in Brisbane, which remains the longest-running laser tag site in the world.

According to the Laser Tag Museum, Darkzone Technologies in Canada and other acquisitions such as Crystal Entertainment and Ultrazone Franchising eventually merged into the Zone Systems ecosystem, contributing to the company's global expansion.

Technology

Zone Laser Tag's systems have evolved from basic vest-and-phaser setups to modern, data-driven platforms.

Foundational era (1987–1997)

• Phasor Strike (1987–1989): First-generation equipment establishing core gameplay.
• Version 3 (1989–1994): Early vest-and-phaser design refinement.
• Version 4 (1994–1997): Continued hardware evolution.

Expansion and sophistication (1997–2018)

• System Q (1997–2002): Expansion of product portfolio.
• System Z (1999–2015): Long-running system for venues.
• System T (2000–2018): Targeted regional markets.
• Infusion (2003–2018): Streamlined gameplay and simplified operations.
• Nexus (2003–2015): One of the top three grossing systems; integrated POS functionality.
• Rift (2008–2019): Introduced LCD scoreboards and interactive Chromazone lighting.

Helios platform (2014–present)

The Helios series represents a shift to a data-driven, scalable platform. Powered by the web-based O-Zone software, operators can manage all aspects of gameplay in real-time, with API integrations to POS, card, and reporting systems. Hardware improvements include redesigned vests with HD color touchscreens, automatic proximity detection, and calorie tracking.

Global presence

Zone Laser Tag has expanded its reach globally, operating in over 60 countries with more than 950 venues worldwide. The company maintains 16 offices globally, providing local support and tailored assistance to partners.

Key global partnerships

• Hologate – Location-based VR solution; Zone provides support in APAC.
• Prison Island – Interactive challenge rooms; exclusive APAC distributor.
• Mystery Labs – Escape-room-style attractions; exclusive APAC distributor.
• Black Light Unity – UV arena lighting and themed decoration partner.
• Roller – POS and venue management software integration.

Community engagement

• Zone Membership – Connects players globally to compete and track scores.
• Operator Conventions – Events for operators worldwide to share best practices.
• World Championships – International competition every three years with teams from 30+ countries.

Australia and New Zealand

In Australia, Zone Laser Tag equipment is used in multiple venue networks:

• Zone 3 – Independent venues using Zone Laser Tag systems.
• Darkzone – Multiple arenas in Melbourne and other Australian cities, explicitly using Zone Laser Tag technology.
• Megazone – Venues in Australia and New Zealand using Zone Laser Tag equipment.

Table of Australian venues

See also

• Q-ZAR
• Laser tag

External links