Ever since the movie Tron, players have not just wanted to play a video game, they have wanted to _be in_ the video game. Nintendo took the first steps to bring this to life with the Wii, and Microsoft took it a step farther with the Kinect, one of that fastest adopted peripherals in the history of video gaming. Many hoped virtual reality would be the next step, but they broke an rule that both Nintendo and Microsoft supported. We want to share great experiences with others. VR, despite it’s power feels isolating.

When we play, we want to play together.

Fostering Connections Through Shared Experiences: The GameTruck Philosophy

As the founder of GameTruck, I have always been fascinated by the power of play to create connections. I believe friends are made shoulder to shoulder through shared experiences. This is one reason we have a giant long couch in the game trailer – so everyone can pile inside together and play. The screens being all on one wall make it easy for friends to scan and see what everyone else is up to. The environment creates a _shared_ experience.

Bridging the Gap Between Video Games and Social Interaction: Introducing ZTAG

Playing video games together is great. But I wondered, “what if there was a way to be in a video game, but _share_ the experience of being in a game together?” And last year my question was answered in by the genius product ZTAG. ZTAG is the brain child of the brilliant engineer (and now close friend) Quan Gan who has a long history in Haunted House design (“a haunted house is an interactive theater experience,” he explains). He wondered if there was way to bring together kids face to face for fun social interaction.

He saw an interactive experience without the theater. I saw a video game without the console. Together we teamed up to bring ZTAG to families around the country, a high energy activity that puts kids _in the game_.

Bring the Fun Indoors and Outdoors: Discover ZTAG, the High-Energy Game from GameTruck

The concept is actually quite simple, even if the technology behind it is complex. We take a group of players, and have them put on a connected device that looks like a watch. (called Taggers, or Game Trackers, or Game Watches). These devices all coordinate to create fun, active, group games where the kids are the controllers. Inspired by classic play ground games, the system teaches players how to play walking them through red light green line (learn to respond to your game watch), to pattern match (learn how to work together and score points), to everyone’s favorite, Zombie Tag! (break into teams and compete!)

Versatile Locations: Host ZTAG Events Anywhere, from Gymnasiums to Backyards

Every game is physically active. Every game brings kids together. And every game is high energy. What’s more the system works indoors (all you need is a multi-purpose room, gymnasium, even a dance studio can work), or outdoors (your typical soccer field, park or backyard is perfect.) Because all the games are non-contact, ZTAG works for ages 4 to 40 (and up!).

Active Group Games for All Ages: How ZTAG Keeps Kids Engaged and Moving

Because all the games are non-contact, ZTAG works for ages 4 to 40 (and up!).

Testimonials from GameTruck Owners: Why ZTAG is Perfect for Schools, Summer Camps, and After-School Programs

“ZTAG is perfect for schools, summer camps, and after school programs,” Says Joel Carlson, owner of GameTruck Orange County. Joel was one of the first GameTruck Owners to adopt ZTAG. “If you’ve got kids and you want to wear them out with fun, ZTAG is the ticket.”

“While we may not have Tron yet, ZTAG from GameTruck gets us a step closer,” Says Julius Freeman owner of GameTruck Atlanta. “Kids love it because it’s fun. Parents and teachers love it because it looks like kids _playing and having fun_.”

If you want to know more, give us a call today or go to our website to find out of ZTAG is available in your area!