What is the budget for a high-tech laser tag arena?

Buying blasters and vests doesn't necessarily mean opening a laser tag arena.

Gaming equipment is the core of the project, but the final budget depends on the place, construction, and organization of the entire customer journey.

What needs to be considered?

1.Place

The calculation includes:

• security deposit and first months' rent;
• preparation of the floor, walls and ceiling;
• electricity supply;
• ventilation and air conditioning;
• fire alarm and escape routes;
• bathrooms and utility rooms.

A low-rent space may require expensive renovations. Therefore, it's important to evaluate not only the price per square meter, but also the cost of bringing the space into working order.

2. Design

Before starting renovation, it is necessary to determine:

• arena capacity;
• location of the labyrinth;
• player routes;
• potential collision zones;
• installation locations of interactive devices;
• location of the reception area, warehouse and charging room.

A well-designed project helps to avoid rework, unnecessary partitions, and awkward play routes.

3. Labyrinth

The budget depends on the area, materials and complexity of the design.

The cost is influenced by:

• number of shelters;
• height and shape of partitions;
• presence of a second level;
• decorative elements;
• wear-resistant and fire-resistant materials;
• the ability to service lighting, wiring and devices.

The labyrinth should not only be spectacular, but also safe, understandable and interesting to play again.

4. Light, sound and decoration

The technological arena will require:

• main and emergency lighting;
• LED and fluorescent lighting;
• acoustic system;
• wall decoration and navigation;
• unified design of the labyrinth, reception and briefing area.

Light and sound serve more than just aesthetic purposes. They help define in-game events, manage the atmosphere, and create content that visitors share after the game.

5. Computers and Networking

To manage the arena it is necessary to provide:

• operator’s computer;
• local network and stable connection;
• screen or TV for statistics;
• locations for installing radio bases;
• secure storage and charging of devices;
• backup power supply for critical components.

The software manages scenarios and statistics, but its stable operation requires a pre‑prepared infrastructure.

6. Client zones

The visitor evaluates not only game.

The budget should take into account:

• reception;
• briefing place;
• waiting area;
• lockers or a wardrobe;
• the banquet room;
• photo zone;
• places for keeping personal belongings.

This is where parents wait for their children, teams discuss the results, and guests decide whether to return or celebrate the next event at the arena.

7. Installation and launch

Other expense items can be:

• delivery;
• assembling a labyrinth;
• installation of lighting and interactive devices;
• equipment setup;
• radio coverage testing;
• training of instructors;
• trial games before opening.

Launching without a full test may result in errors becoming apparent with the first clients.

8. Reserve and the first months of operation

Even after it is opened, a business needs a reserve of funds:

• salaries;
• rent and utility payments;
• ads;
• consumables;
• minor repairs;
• backup components;
• the period of building a stable customer base.

Therefore, the opening budget and price of the equipment are not the same thing.

It’s more convenient to divide the attachments into three blocks:

1. Place — a room, renovation, labyrinth, and engineering systems.
2. The gaming experience — equipment, lighting, sound, design, and interactivity.
3. Launching a business — staff, marketing, training, and financial reserve.

The main mistake is to sign the lease agreement and start the renovation first, and only then think about scenarios, routes, and operations.

CYBERTAG and LASERWAR help you go from analyzing the space to setting up the equipment and playing the first game.

For more details about designing a high‑tech laser tag arena — from analyzing the space and layout to the design project, construction, and launch — read the CYBERTAG page.