Posted 31 August 2008 - 02:20 PM
I have to respectfully disagree with BustaNinja, on this idea. First, I agree that Hasbro can't market Nerf older FPS gamer for fear of losing their kids' market and they really don't have to. The Nerf brand, in of of itself, is stronger than most video game properties. Being a "Nerf Dad", I'm very happy and satisfied buying Hasbro Nerf products for my 10 and 11 year olds, who can enjoy dart tag game play with their peers without any mods, what so ever.
What I'm suggesting is that, mostly from hanging out here, and viewing many nerf related videos on youtube, there is a large segment of nerfers who would like to have nerf weapons with stronger springs, better darts, cooler paint jobs and maybe look like something from their favorite FPS video game. A company, other than Hasbro, could make dart tag gear with the these, and modders, in mind. The equipment would be targeted for older, say 16 years plus, demographic and sold in "sports stores" not toy stores.
The simple idea that "Nerf is for kids", sounds the same thing that was said about comics and animation (and anime). I've worked in both fields and it wasn't until high school and college age audiences flocked to those medium that they took off.
Just look at this forum, the first thing people want to do is mod, or at least, paint new Nerf Blaster. That's not a "put down", it's observation . I think it's great! I love the sense of creativity and inventiveness evident here. I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are probably a lot of guy and gals who don't have skill, the time or whatever to do any modding. So, why not give them a product right out of the box that's better than a stock "kid's toy".
As for the gaming connect. Yes, you run of the risk of having the same immature assholes who spoil online gaming, try to ruin nerf wars, but I doubt that would happen. In Nerf battles you have to show up and face real people "in the flesh", meaning you may get "banned" or just plain smacked in the mouth if you upped up. But on a business level, gaming is the hot market and the game companies need to expand beyond just selling games to survive. That why you see Gears of Wars and other game action figures in Toys R' Us. (That bothers me a little see this "Mature Rated" base toy next to the "G- Rated" toys). I'd like to see Killzone themed dart tag blasters or Mass Effect Laser tag blasters, why not, if marketed in the proper market and age appropriate setting.
My main point is that Nerf has progressed beyond being just a "kids' product". You see it in thousands of offices and college dorms. The next step is to figure a way to develop dart tag centers like laser tag, paintball and airsoft arenas. There's room for Dart Tag to grow as entertainment business. Safe well run places to play and hold Nerf Wars. Well maintained, standardized equipment. Some place that establishes a positive force in the community for family fun. That not a bad thing, if you really think about it.
(Maybe the forum mods would to to move this to a separate thread. I'd let to hear other opinions, too)
"The gods that smiled when you were born, are laughing now" - My favorite fortune cookie saying. I really got this.