STANDING AS A CONSTANT TO ALL THOSE WHO ENTER, Bob—Game On Social Hub’s original mascot—proudly stands at the entrance of the New Orleans facility. His strategic placement is not only a nostalgic symbol of the family entertainment center’s (FEC) past, but also one of resilience. Bob has watched as Game On Social Hub has stayed ahead of the times through technological innovations.
Spanning 34,000 square feet, the FEC offers a balanced mix of activities, from augmented reality experiences to a two-story laser tag arena, bowling, axe throwing, and a high-tech arcade with more than 70 games. Complemented by a full-service restaurant, bar, and nearby party rooms, the facility serves as a versatile venue for family outings, corporate events, and private parties. Longtime local visitors to Game On (also fondly referred to as “the Hub”) have grown up with the FEC.
Game On Social Hub pulled back the veil of secrecy for Funworld, sharing how their layers of technology can inspire other independently owned facilities as they cater to multiple generations.
Growing Pains
The beginnings of Game On Social Hub are rooted in a modest laser tag attraction with three party rooms and 20 arcade games that opened in 1985. Over the years, the business relocated to various locations, each time expanding its footprint and offerings. A rebranding in 2022 marked a significant transformation, introducing a sleeker and higher-tech laser tag arena, expanded arcade space, prize redemption, and a full-service restaurant. “For years, we were known for our laser tag operations and arcades. When we came here, this was a bigger building and we wanted to include the parents and older crowd,” says Davor Franicevich, Game On owner and one of three partners.
The evolution of Game On is not just a story of expansion but also of adaptation. The original facility, a casualty of Hurricane Katrina, was followed by a new location in Baton Rouge, which thrived until the COVID-19 pandemic prompted its sale. (Ironically, the building was repurposed into an after-school center and theater, preserving its legacy of community service.)
Returning to the Metairie community just 20 minutes east of the famed Bourbon Street, the FEC faced another challenge when a landlord decided to replace the venue—with a grocery store. The move forced yet another strategic pivot: the creation of the current Game On, which now boasts 12 bowling lanes— complete with a VIP section—and four party rooms.
It’s at this location that the team decided to introduce adult beverages. The addition of a bar reflects the company’s growth in tandem with its clientele, many of whom have matured from children attending birthday parties to adults bringing their own families.
“Everybody that we’ve been hosting all these years—kids’ birthday parties—they know us, and they’ve grown up with us,” says Game On General Manager Ricky Dillard.
“This evolution underscores Game On’s commitment to providing a comprehensive entertainment experience. When I say, ‘We grew up,’ we put in a bar,” says Dillard.
Game On’s food and beverage offerings have extended guest visitation. A full-service restaurant is complimented by Quick Bites—a more “family-friendly” environment with counter service that serves adult beverages and snacks, such as milkshakes, cake, candies, and ice cream. At the bowling lanes, a Brunswick kiosk also handles food and beverage ordering.
Rounding out the experience and keeping the facility’s commitment to offer activities for a large range of age groups (and taking advantage of Louisiana’s video poker laws), Game On offers three machines of video poker in an adults-only room.
Yet, it’s what guests don’t see—the slew of technology—that powers the facility.
Enter The Matrix
“What differentiates us from everybody else is we’re all high-tech. Push button, automated, easy—but that requires a huge backbone behind the scenes,” says Franicevich. This philosophy underscores the importance of a robust technological infrastructure that supports the user-friendly experiences at all levels that keep customers coming back.
One of the standout features of Game On is its custom-developed admissions system. Affectionately referred to as “the matrix,” it is the in-house designed and built integration of ticketing, laser tag play scheduling, and real time reporting— all accessible with handheld digital notebooks. By automating these processes, the Hub efficiently manages its operations, allowing for a rapid turnover of activities. The matrix enables the Hub to run six laser tag games every hour, accommodating up to 45 players every 10 minutes. This efficiency not only maximizes revenue but also enhances the overall guest experience.
IT manager elias Basse emphasizes the hands-on approach necessary for maintaining Game On’s advanced systems. “If it turns on or blinks, I pretty much touch it,” he quips, highlighting the proactive culture that drives the organization. Maintenance and constant vigilance are the key to keeping everything operational.
Advancing Laser Tag
Laser tag is the anchor attraction of Game On, occupying approximately 4,500 square feet. This two-level space is designed to provide an immersive experience, drawing inspiration from the original Photon Alpha fields that revolutionized laser tag in the 1980s. The Hub has successfully modernized these elements, creating a unique environment that appeals to both nostalgic players and new enthusiasts. “When players that frequent their arena play elsewhere, they reference the Hub’s arena as the ‘real’ laser tag arena,” says Franicevich, owing its feel to the nostalgia and true sport originally envisioned by Photon and its creator, George Carter.
The arena features an observation deck, allowing parents to watch their children play. If parents want to be more involved in the game without actively participating in the laser tag play, Game On offers the ability for parents to swipe in and tag their kids remotely, via pod stations. This innovative approach allows families to participate together at different levels.
The tower set pieces encountered in the arena are a nostalgic hallmark of the original Photon arenas of Game On’s early years. The retained structures became integrated into every location the Hub called home over the years. This blend of nostalgia and innovation honors the past with the modern enhancement of back-lit LED pixel lighting within the towers’ panels, directly interacting and changing with the gameplay.
To stay at the forefront of laser tag technology meant introducing Laserforce Gen 8 battle suits—the latest version features integrated screens and synchronized lighting effects that elevate gameplay. The team follows a systematic replacement cycle, transitioning to the latest generation after it is thoroughly tested. “We typically wait about a year for maturation to work out any kinks,” explains Basse. This meticulous approach is complemented by hands-on engagement by visiting IAAPA Expo annually, where Besse arrives onsite with a list in hand to assess new technologies to identify potential failure points.
Basse is proud of the innovative custom solutions he developed for the FEC’s laser tag, including charging the circuits of enhanced target systems that further distinguish the experience at Game On. “I tapped into the circuitry on the inside to control the electronics so I can light up the extra LEDs,” explains Basse. By tapping into the Hub’s electronics expertise, the team has created unique features that enhance gameplay and operational efficiency.
Preventative maintenance is another critical aspect of the trio’s operations. “Our key factor to everything is 100% functional, 100% of the time. Very rarely do we ever have anything that’s down for longer than a week if we’re waiting on parts,” says Dillard. With spare battle suits and a well-stocked inventory of parts, downtime is minimized to ensure the business remains profitable. “If it’s not working, it ain’t making money,” emphasizes Basse. This company cornerstone applies to all of its business equipment.
Nurturing Innovation
One of the standout innovations at Game On is their automated power management system. By integrating a programmable a logic controller—originally designed for elevators and jack-up barges in the Gulf of Mexico—the team has created a system that powers up and shuts down all arcade games with the push of a button, sent via digital notebooks or the team’s personal smartphones. This $5,000 investment not only saves time, but also protects equipment from damage during power outages. The system ensures games remain off until power is stable, preventing costly damages power surges may cause the sensitive electronics. On a daily basis, the power management system saves time and money. The team says individually powering the electronics up or down would take more than a half hour.
Meanwhile, Game On Social Hub is built to operate 24/7, thanks to its robust internet infrastructure. With tertiary internet connections, including fiber and dual cellular backups, the Hub can maintain operations—even during outages from severe weather. With credit card use making up nearly 80% of their sales, a brief internet outage could result in significant financial losses. Yet, the Hub’s infrastructure ensures continuity, allowing the attraction to weather disruptions without missing a beat. Because of Louisina’s high water table, all power lines must remain on utility poles, subjecting utility poles to car accidents or adverse weather conditions that could bring down power lines.
The Hub’s commitment to innovation extends to its audiovisual systems. All television content is delivered via Ethernet, controlled by digital notebooks that allow staff to manage displays and signage throughout the building. The system, designed in-house, cost a fraction of the $200,000 quoted by external vendors. It enables seamless integration of media across various zones, from bowling alleys to party rooms. The ability to customize and control branded content in-house not only reduces costs, but also can drive revenue with targeted marketing messages.
Graphic design is another area where Game On Social Hub excels. Dillard’s wife, along with her assistant, are certified graphic designers that can quickly produce promotional materials and signage onsite, allowing the FEC to further reduce its reliance on external vendors. This in-house capability is what the team calls their “secret sauce” for keeping costs low and operations efficient.
Safe Play
Safety is a top priority at Game On Social Hub, and their systems reflect this commitment. The power management system is integrated with the fire alarm, ensuring that all arcade games shut down in the event of an emergency. This feature, along with programmable sound systems that can broadcast emergency messages, enhances the safety of guests and staff alike.
The Hub is also exploring advanced security measures, including artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology. With a half-petabyte (a petabyte is equal to 1,000 terabytes) of storage dedicated to CCTV footage across 71 cameras, the Hub is experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance security and identify individuals known to be wanted by law enforcement agencies. While these systems are costly, they underscore the Hub’s commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all visitors. While many operators may balk at the high price tag for data storage, Basse says “We’re a small operator that operates as a big one.” This reflects Game On’s ability to build and manage high tech operations with a lean team. This efficiency is crucial in an industry where customer satisfaction hinges on minimal downtime and quick service.
Despite being a single-location operator, Game On Social Hub operates with the sophistication of a large chain. Game On tells Funworld that guests often mistake the Hub for a corporate entity with multiple locations, and to the team, the sentiment is a testament to the professionalism and innovation that defines their facility. This is one team that continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, driven by a passion for innovation and excellence.
A Curated Guest Experience
The Game On team is also proud of how they laid out the facility all in-house. Thoughtfully, they designed the facility’s layout in CAD first and then decided on finishes that give the FEC a warm feel. Today’s added touches are a departure from what the team describes as a warehouse aesthetic used in its former locations. The modern Hub features warm Edison bulb lighting and a variety of wall finishes that create an inviting atmosphere. The interior touches, crafted by Doug Wilkerson of Dynamic Designs, combines functionality with style, ensuring a visually appealing space.
The facility boasts custom furniture, including durable butcher block tables made by in-house carpenters, that enhances both the aesthetics and longevity. The four event rooms—split by dividers that allow the rooms to be combined or separated—are equipped with comfortable chairs, integrated audio technology, projectors, and microphones that allow for versatile use for birthday parties to corporate functions.
Game On Social Hub exemplifies how a commitment to technical innovation, creativity, meticulous maintenance, and in-house solutions can transform an attraction into a cutting-edge experience. As Franicevich and his team continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, Game On Social Hub can be looked to as a leader in the FEC space, driven by a passion for creating memories using engaging technology.
