From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Laser Skirmish is a generic term for a form of outdoor Laser Tag. This term is commonly used in Australia and New Zealand to differentiate the game from indoor or "arena" style play.^[1]

Laser Skirmish is typically commercial in nature using rented equipment on a private field dedicated to playing the game in a manner very similar to Paintball fields, which are very highly regulated if not prohibitted outright under the firearms laws of some countries. Laser Skirmish may also be a less formal gathering of friends, often using homebuilt equipment.^[2][3] Some of the commercial fields allow players to bring their own equipment provided the equipment passes technical inspection to ensure it is functional and fair to other players.^[4]

The emphasis in Laser Skirmish is military style engagement^[5] in outdoor and urban settings, using more realistic "weapons" than are typically used for the indoor "arena" or homestyle versions of Laser tag. Because of the realism of the equipment and the tendency of the players to be fully attired in military clothing including full camoflage and face paint, these games are typically played on private or commercial property specifically rented for the event in order to avoid causing undue concern amongst members of the public.

Laser Skirmish missions typically include scenarios such as: Hostage Rescue in which one team attempts to retain control of one or more unarmed "Hostages" while the other team attempts to eliminate the defenders and rescue the hostages with minimum losses; Escort the VIP in which one team attempts to move one or more spcific persons across the playing area to an "extraction point" which is not known in advance to the other team; Search and Destroy in which one team attempts to locate and destroy fixed targets which are guarded by the other team; and various versions of urban and rural assaults.^[6][7]

1. ^ LaserForums, a manufacturer-independent message board for the Laser Skirmish community.
2. ^ FragTag, an Australian company producing OEM electronics for the commercial Laser Skirmish market.
3. ^ MILESTag, an American company producing kits for homebuilt Laser Skirmish equipment.
4. ^ Darling Downs Laser Skirmish, a Laser Skirmish facility in Toowoomba.
5. ^ Laser Skirmish Queensland, a Laser Skirmish facility in Nerang.
6. ^ LaserSkirmish.com missions page.
7. ^ Tas Laser Skirmish missions page.