From my observations as an avid laser tag player, I have discovered that all of the four best players I can recall (across many dozens, possibly hundreds of games) are autistic.
Why do a high proportion of autists love laser tag?
1. We are highly proficient due to our obsessive focus on our special interests and we excel at strategy and discerning patterns in the game
2. It’s a non-contact sport, reducing the importance of physical power (physical size can also be a disadvantage in laser tag, reducing stealth, speed, agility, co-ordination, balance, reflexes and stamina, which are more important than strength in the game)
3. It’s highly individualistic (at a public lobby level), reducing the importance of teamwork
4. Social status, social nous and social confidence are greatly mitigated as factors in the game
5. There is a “revenge of the nerds” dynamic, where the typically persecuted autist can simulate shooting normie males and females of all ages besides the very young and very elderly (normies often find the laser tag prowess of the autist frustrating and do not expect to have such an intense opponent when they go in)
6. It’s an athletic and social outlet for those who may not enjoy many traditional athletic or social pursuits
7. Laser tag has clear objectives and rules, which minimises subjectivity
8. Through its repetitive structure and consistent metrics it provides barometers for objective progression over time
9. The strategies perfected in countless hours playing FPS games transition well to the laser tag arena, providing autistic gamers with an immediate advantage
Why do a high proportion of autists love laser tag?
1. We are highly proficient due to our obsessive focus on our special interests and we excel at strategy and discerning patterns in the game
2. It’s a non-contact sport, reducing the importance of physical power (physical size can also be a disadvantage in laser tag, reducing stealth, speed, agility, co-ordination, balance, reflexes and stamina, which are more important than strength in the game)
3. It’s highly individualistic (at a public lobby level), reducing the importance of teamwork
4. Social status, social nous and social confidence are greatly mitigated as factors in the game
5. There is a “revenge of the nerds” dynamic, where the typically persecuted autist can simulate shooting normie males and females of all ages besides the very young and very elderly (normies often find the laser tag prowess of the autist frustrating and do not expect to have such an intense opponent when they go in)
6. It’s an athletic and social outlet for those who may not enjoy many traditional athletic or social pursuits
7. Laser tag has clear objectives and rules, which minimises subjectivity
8. Through its repetitive structure and consistent metrics it provides barometers for objective progression over time
9. The strategies perfected in countless hours playing FPS games transition well to the laser tag arena, providing autistic gamers with an immediate advantage
