Anyone with a smartphone can play laser tag by attaching a keychain-sized phone accessory known as the Proxy 42 Inceptor and a new app, the Father.io. Product developer and specialty retailer Brookstone has collaborated with IndiegogoSuccess and Game Creator Proxy 42 to launch an Augmented Reality mobile laser tag unveiled in GDC 2017 but set for release by spring.

In GDC 2017, Proxy 42 unveiled the Inceptor and the new game Father.io to showcase a new mobile laser tag game. The Father.io is a new multiplayer first person shooter game which is set in the near future where humans and AI are locked into a battle not much different in theme from Skynet versus humans in "Terminator." The general idea is to shoot as many opponents as possible without lugging a big plastic gun. The game uses a combination of geo-localized strategy and fps battles for the team-based online gaming set in real-world settings, according to CrowdFundInsider.

The new mobile laser tag accessory, Proxy 42's Inceptor, used Augmented Reality seen with "Pokémon Go" to overlay graphics in real world locations. This is possible with the devices infrared receiver and transmitter and a bunch of different sensors which claims to deliver low latency as players are constantly on the run evading hits. The Inceptor also has its own battery and a LED display to allow players to known which team they are with.

Meanwhile, the app or the game uses the phone's camera to help players see the world around them. The mobile laser tag app overlays graphics like target crosshairs as well as displays the players' scores. The folks at Engadget tried out the said attachment and found some glitches which are expected since the app is still in beta so accuracy is still off. Moreover, players could not see how many hits they have left or how much damage they have inflicted on their opponents.

Proxy 42 is still making some tweaks in the app for Inceptor has huge potentials in other games as well. In addition, the mobile laser tag phone accessory is currently in production and is set for a spring 2017 release. However, pre-orders at Indiegogo are now available for a two pack for only $50. Players may also get one for $30 which will be available in Brookstone stores towards the end of this year.

Tags GDC 2017