IF you're searching for outdoor activities that promote exercise and teamwork, look no further than Laser Tag Bermuda.

Research has shown that people and companies who take part in team-based events such as laser tag increase productivity.

According to one source, "playing laser tag with co-workers incorporates the basic principles of team work and game strategy, allowing employees to enhance communication, develop rapport, sharpen the competitive edge or define leadership skills while having a great time".

Stuart Matthie, who owns Laser Tag Bermuda, spoke with the Mid-Ocean News about the exciting team-based game and how he got into the business.

"I started Laser Tag Bermuda because I was sick of playing online video games such as Delta Force and Ghost Recon and getting beat up by other players. I said I need to get outside and do it for real. Instead of getting beat inside online I can play better outside.

"I started planning Laser Tag Bermuda in 2002 and it took a couple of years to find what I wanted and to have the technology that was at the level it needed to be.

"The first person I was dealing with in the United States was shipped off to Iraq, which slowed up the process a little bit, but since 2004 we've been going strong. This year alone we have run around 40 games so far and the business has really taken off. I'm busy every weekend and if you look on my web site you can see that we are pretty much booked every weekend right up until September."

Perhaps one of the biggest draws to Laser Tag Bermuda is that you can play it virtually anywhere outside.

Mr. Matthie said: "The events are held anywhere. Right now I've just received some inflatable bunkers which allow us to play in an open field and have cover. If you don't want to play at places such as the Arboretum or Warwick Long Bay or forts and you have a big enough yard or a school field that you want to play on, then we can set up there.

"Outdoor laser tag is very new to Bermuda and the concept of working together to win a game is still new. It takes three or four games before newcomers actually realise that it's better to work together to win than to work by yourself and lose. It's a great lesson in teamwork that gets you out doing exercise running around. Some people like getting dirty and some people don't. The only thing we don't do is play in the rain."

Speaking about previous events and their picturesque locales, Mr. Matthie said: "Some of our previous events have been held at Fort Scaur, Ferry Reach in the back area where they have a couple of forts such as Martello Tower, and we have an event at Fort Hamilton and Alexander Battery which is coming up soon.

"Forts are great to have laser tag events. Other venues have been the Arboretum and places such as Warwick Long Bay. A lot people like the Arboretum because it's more central and there are a lot of open spaces to run around in ¿ however, my favourite games are held at the forts themselves."

Describing what goes on during a laser tag event, Mr. Matthie said: "The age range of people who play are eight and up. I've had people as old as 60 and up play. We don't host open games because we don't know who would show up. However, in the near future we expect to start hosting open games that people will have to sign up for so we know the numbers that will attend.

"To play a game, you need at least eight people and you can go as high as 12. If you want to have bigger parties that's fine as well ¿ just realise you can't all play at the same time so people will be taking turns.

"What we do at Laser Tag Bermuda are combat simulations. People who want to come out and play and have something to do on the weekends, day or night, for a few hours should contact us. We also do corporate events, parties, and birthday parties for people that want to come out, learn teamwork, and play combat games in fantastic outdoor locations.

"This is an outdoor PC game that is based on points to determine the winning team depending on the game mode. Some of the game modes we offer are King of the Hill, where you get points for shooting people, and you get points taken away for being hit and you get points if you capture the hill.

"Whatever mode you might see in a computer game such as free-for-all, conquest, and capture the flag, we can do in real life and it makes it more exciting to work as a team with people you know. If you custom design a game mode then we will work with you to implement it.

"Laser Tag Bermuda uses state-of-the-art gear. We combine simulated high-tech weapons and cutting-edge software to provide combat training simulations and offer long-range, custom load-outs for weapons and anti-cheat technology.

"We run three-hour game sessions. Three hours is the right amount of time. It's enough time to get you to learn how to play if you've never played before and by the time the three hours is up you are tired which is exactly what we are aiming for. My motto is: If you're not tired I haven't done my job."

Companies across the world are getting involved with games such as laser tag to promote teamwork and communication among employees. It's a strong way to have people get together, have fun and work in a group with open dialogue to complete mission objectives.

Speaking about his experience with Bermuda companies, Mr. Matthie said: "Research has showed that teamwork on the job is essential and this activity will promote that. On the job there is one type of teamwork and playing laser tag builds on that. I've had a few corporate parties so far. Companies utilise team building events such as this to instil teamwork amongst workers and co-workers.

"I try to help them focus on the teamwork and that they should fight as a group. I make sure they know how to do things as a group rather than as individuals. The ones that work in a group and as a team will last longer than those that don't and are off solo trying to complete objectives. It's fun for them and they get to go back to the office and say 'We beat your department' and stuff like that so I try and keep it interesting for them."

Mr. Matthie added: "People that are interested in laser tag are people that want to come out and play and want some activity to do that you would not normally do.

"Most people don't know about laser tag until they actually come out and see someone playing and then they want to get involved at that point. Once people find out about it and see how much fun it is they get into it and next thing you know they want a party for themselves."

To contact Mr. Matthie, go to www.lasertagbermuda.com where he has a release form that you can use to book your appointment. Alternately, e-mail him directly at infolasertagbermuda.com.