This
week Laser Quest (Versent Corporation) confirmed via their website and social
media that they will not be able to reopen their sites in North America, all of
which are currently closed. However, two other important pieces of information
also accompany this news. First, that eight of their U.S. sites will re-open
under new ownership and second, that three of their Canadian sites have been
purchased by Planet Lazer.
https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/laser-tag-will-live-on-in-regina-under-new-company?fbclid=IwAR3OSFJhGa31Xi3C_Xtd6tNn9Xr4IuJwPyDl5t43f4oQnC9VcHfYDJrXc9c
Presumably
this means that those Canadian sites will likely be operating with Lasertron
equipment, but I’d like to focus on the more positive news about those eight
U.S. sites reopening under new ownership...and in spite of what some players
may think, I really do believe this is positive news. It certainly beats not
having any Laser Quest in the states at all, which was what was being
speculated by some people about a month ago when quite a few players were
throwing a premature funeral for Laser Quest. On this website I gave credence
only to the facts I could obtain directly from Laser Quest corporate (quoted
directly from president Jeff Morris) and I think that we can get a much clearer
perspective at this point about how things are actually playing out. It appears
that we are starting to see them show more of the cards on the table.
Last
year I made a very cognizant effort to play at every Laser Quest that remained
in the United States as of the end of 2019. I completed that goal in November
by playing at my 300th laser tag arena which was Laser Quest Wichita, just
shortly before they closed permanently. Unfortunately, there were quite a few
LQ locations that closed even prior to COVID and I wanted to visit all that I
could while I was still able to, never guessing that the clock would be running
out for other reasons. In fact, I had fully intended to play my final few LQ
locations in Canada this summer, which would have included Regina, Edmonton and
Calgary. That obviously did not happen.
Honestly,
it is unlikely that I will make a deliberate effort to travel to Saskatchewan
and the mid-part of Canada now, even once the border re-opens, because the
whole reason I had would have gone in the first place would have been to
satisfy the “completist” in me that wanted to say I visited and played at every
LQ in North America (aside from that random one in Mexico). But now I have to
do a mental reset and just be happy there will still be a few opportunities for
those who want to play LQ in the U.S. at all.
These
opportunities may not be as plentiful as we would like and it does mean that
some people (myself included) will have to travel quite a distance if they
really want to play LQ again, but I’ll tell you that this is still better than
having no choices whatsoever. As other laser tag arenas are closing all around
me I certainly relate to this pain on a personal level. And yet, I also
recognize that the hope of visiting one of the eight that are planning to
re-open in the states versus having no LQ at all (unless you go overseas) is
still something I will choose to be grateful and appreciative of having. And at
a time where we have just witnessed the closing of a longtime institution like
Q-Zar Tampa (leaving only two true Q-Zars remaining in Concord, CA and Carle
Place, NY), I prefer to be a “glass half full” person and look at these eight
LQs as a blessing, even while we mourn all the ones that will not be returning.
For
me personally this means that rather than driving 3 1/2 hours to Newington, CT
or even further to Danvers or West Roxbury, MA I will now have to travel to
Virginia for my closest LQ option. But you know what...I’ll do that happily
when I am next able (meaning once NY travel restrictions permit me to). And so
will anyone who really wants to play again. Just like people continued to
travel to Tampa for Q-Zar tournaments right up until last year and just like
the Photon die-hards traveled once a year for a pilgrimage to Maryland. If it
really matters there is always a way.
I
realize that the most loyal players will still manage to find their way, but
for more casual players this probably is the end of an era and I really do
empathize. Although I believe firmly that I will play LQ again, I too am
feeling emotional about the loss of this company.
I
am quite fortunate that I got to experience as many LQ memories as I did. Laser
Quest corporate was really quite supportive of me in the last year, so I would
like to take a moment to thank them and reflect on my favorite memories from LQ
sites that I have played along the journey.
My
top laser tag memory at LQ (or anywhere else) has to be playing in the NRH arena
with the inventor of laser tag, George Carter III on International Laser Tag
Day.
Being
given a special welcome (and an awesome souvenir banner to keep) when I visited
LQ headquarters and met with Theresa Stairs and Jeff Morris.
Another
special welcome when I went to take publicity photos and video at LQ
Mississauga.
Playing
one final tournament (an independently organized fundraiser for the DKMCF) at
LQ Phoenix on Sunday, March 15th...which turned out to be the last day most LQ
sites were open in the U.S.
Visiting
my 300th laser tag arena, which (by deliberate planning) was Laser Quest
Wichita.
My
first time winning two Ironman games back to back.
Donning
the LQ gear from head to toe...I’m not sure if they actually ended up using
this for anything, but they did ask for my permission to use this pic for
promotion.
And
just a few more of my favorites…
In retrospect, I have had some amazing experiences and am so blessed that I was able to enjoy as many LQ arenas as I did. I want to thank them for all the memories as well. Even though this is farewell for some, I am heartened to think that it is not necessary farewell forever.
Comments or Questions?
Contact: Tivia@tiviachickloveslasertag.com
Websites: www.tiviachickloveslasertag.com and www.photonforever.com
