We always like how companies attempt to merge two interests our readers, that is airsoft and video games. It is not a new story as there have been video game arcade products that use airsoft guns as the actual guns to use at shooting digital targets in an arcade game. Airsoft guns look real and they also operate like the real thing, especially gas blowbacks so they are cool to use in an arcade as long as they are legal to use in your area.

Many of you might not remember Taito in terms of video game as nowadays and as it is a subsidiary of Square Enix since 2006. Square Enix is of course famous for the Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Kingdom Hearts video games. But for those who started video gaming in the 1970s and 1980s in arcade parlours, Taito is a legend, as it is the company behind Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble, and Arkanoid. For those who frequent arcade parlours these days rather than playing at home with game consoles Taito’s name can still be seen as it still active in developing arcade machines.

Now, in cooperation with Natsumeatari is a Pachinko outfit that specializes in the development of pinball games and slot machines and airsoft  manufacturer Tokyo Marui, Taito will start testing its GunArena Airsoft Arcade this month. GunArena is comprised of different game modes in which the player will shoot different targets to rack up scores using an airsoft gun.

In this case, the best selling AEP, the Tokyo Marui Glock 18C AEP, is the main airsoft gun used in Gun Arena. It is a specially built airsoft gun that it can only be fired during gameplay with the use of a sensor that is attached to the under rail of the AEP. The screen is a 55-inch display that is BB-proof, and in since this is in Japan, it is able to withstand 0.98 joules of BB impact. Airsoft players can bring their airsoft guns as long as they are at least 18 years of age.

To play, players are issued a membership card upon agreeing to the terms and conditions. A QR code is printed to the card and this will be scanned before they are able to play. They cannot play if they do not have the membership card with the QR code is it is required. There are several game modes apart from the training mode such as taking turns, target practice, police training mode, and darts-style.

If you are in Japan and want to try the GunArena once it gets rolled out for testing, remember the following schedules:

First Phase (06 to 17 June 2018):

• L-AMUSE (Katsushika Ward, Tokyo)
• La'malama Kannai store (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
• ASOBIBA Akihabara field (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
• Bee Shibuya (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

Second Phase (22 June – 01 July 2018)

• GROVE Kanda store (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
• AKIBA ☆ BASE (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
• Link Nishikawaguchi store (Saitama prefecture Kawaguchi city)
• Link Wako shop (Saitama prefecture Wako city)

Will these be shipped out of Japan to arcade parlours around the world? It depends on the testing outcome and if there will be a demand outside of the country. This  will require an attendant who will replace the batteries and refill the AEP magazines for those who want to use the specially made Tokyo Marui Glock 18C AEP. Perhaps airsoft game sites such as Buffalo Battleground and airsoft stores who want their customers have more fun when they test their airsoft guns might be interested in this.