Stunner

Founded by: Ray Schaffer and Brian Fuery

Originated: August 17, 1999
Date Closed: November 1, 2006

Number of Locations: 11

Personnel of Note:
Brian Fuery – Co-Founder and President
Ray Schaffer – Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Doug McBride – Vice PresidentFirst Location: 121 N. 5th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58303

Equipment Overview: As quoted from a Stunner ad, “Stunner is the only system based upon a software architecture which makes it extremely flexible.” The equipment had the capability of offering 24 different power ups and eight types of games. Upgrades that went into Version 3 included vests with 20 RGB LED’s that were capable of producing nearly any color in the spectrum.

Precision infrared laser mounting in the phasers alleviated issues with alignement. The vests also contained 21 infrared sensors that were accompanied by an incredibly bright white LED as well as a vibrator, both of which would turn on when the player was hit, so a player could identify where they were tagged. The upgraded battery packs had twice the original capacity in this version.

Arena support equipment could automatically track and record pack diagnostics during the game with the use of a handheld, wireless touch screen game controller, which could essentially run all the elements of the game. Stunner equipment was quite revolutionary in many ways.

Historical Synopsis: Former Holoz operator Brian Fuery partnered with Ray Schaefer to develop Stunner, which would become arguably one of the most technologically advanced systems of its time.