LaserNation

Founded By: Gary Reese

Originated: May 2000 Date Closed: February 2012

Number of Locations: 3

Personnel of Note: 

Gary Reese – Founder and President
Bill Edwards – Co-founder
Jeremy Gaddy – Managing Partner

First Facility: Washington, D.C.

Equipment Overview: Quoted from the LaserNation website: “The equipment at Laser Nation used infrared data transmission technology, working in conjunction with software and hardware that records every aspect of a laser tag game. Laser tag players wore vests that contained sensor targets on the shoulders, chest and back. The targets operate via a computer housed inside the vest, which enables the target sensors to receive signals from an opponent’s laser for a ‘tag.’”

A unique element of the equipment was a power system that did not require the use of batteries. LaserNation claimed that their system could be re-energized a million times with no degradation in the life of the system.

Historical Overview: LaserNation was developed following Gary Reese’s experiences operating three laser tag centers with different equipment (two purchased near Washington D.C. in May 2000 and one opened in 2002 near Baltimore, MD). By 2006 Reese and his partners had developed the LaserNation product and began franchising, as their belief was that “persons who invest capital in their own businesses will make the best partners for the future growth of LaserNation.” Around February of 2012 the company ceased trading.