Best Practices - Equipment Handling

Introduction

This is designed to be a guide on the best practices for equipment handling at your venue. This guide can be shared with game masters, with the aim to minimize equipment drops and faults, and reduce overall maintenance costs.  

On this page:

Best Practices Video

Controller Handling (Demonstration)

Headset Handling (Demonstration)

Controller Handling (Suit up - Donning)

Entering the Gamespace

Exiting the Gamespace 

Equipment Handling (Suit down - Doffing)

Equipment Handling - Postgame 

 

Best Practices Video

See the below video for a general guide on equipment handling best practices. More specific step-by step instructions are outlined below:

 

Controller Handling (Demonstration)

Whenever handling the controller, it is important to always demonstrate the correct handling for customers. 

Do:

• Demonstrate the correct handling of the controller either immediately after the briefing, or during the suit up process. 
• Hold the controller with two hands, demonstrating the dominant hand on the grip, and non-dominant hand on the pump
• (If wearing the strap) let the controller rest by your side when not actively demonstrating
  
  

Do not: 

• Hold the controller in any way other than the above when demonstrating
• Hold the controller with one hand
• Hold the controller by the tracker
• Hold the controller by the attachment point for the chest strap
• Hold the controller by the butt of the gun

Example : “Now that we’ve watched the briefing video, does anyone have any questions about your experience? Before we jump into the suit up process, let me show you guys how best to use the controller…” 

 

Headset Handling (Demonstration)

Whenever handling the headset, it is important to always demonstrate the correct handling for customers. 

Do:

• Demonstrate the correct handling of the headset during the suit up process. 
• Demonstrate the essential functions of the headset during the suit up process including: 
  • IPD focus dial
  • Volume buttons
  • Adjustment dial at the rear of the headset
  • Velcro strap at the top of the headset

Do not: 

• Hold the headset in any way other than the above when demonstrating
• Hold the headset by the velcro strap
• Hold the headset by the headphone band

Example: “In a moment I’ll direct you to grab your headsets, before you do I’d just like to draw your attention to these key parts of the headset. In the center here [demonstrating] you can see the focus adjuster, which you can use to make your vision as clear as possible. On the side here [demonstrating] are the buttons for adjusting the volume, so you can make it louder or quiter based on your personal preference. On the other side of the headset you can see here [demonstrating] the adjustment dial to make the headset fit tighter on your head, and on top here [demonstrating] you can see the velcro strap, which can help support the headset and keep it in the best position for your focus…” 

 

Controller Handling (Suit up - Donning)

When suiting up with the customers, we encourage them to suit up on their own, guided by the directions of the game master

• Encourage the customer the hold the chest strap in their dominant hand and briefly hold controller in the non-dominant hand, until the chest strap is in position
• Have the customer feed the chest strap over their head
• Encourage the customer to let the controller rest by their side while they adjust the chest strap
• • The strap should be adjusted so that the controller is within easy reach
    
    

Example: “Feel free to grab one of the controllers from the wall, when you do make sure to hold the strap there in your dominant hand, and thread it over your head so the strap rests comfortably across your chest. Take the time now to adjust the strap so that the controller is within easy reach when resting by your side” 

 

Headset Handling (Suit up - Donning)

• Encourage the customer to let the controller rest by their side before they handle the headset.
  • Remind customers that most experiences feature a tutorial, and so they will be able to get hands-on with the equipment before facing off against any enemies
• Before the customer handles the headset ensure that:
  
  • the velcro strap has been reset to a neutral position
  • the headset has been fully extended
  • the headphones are slid as far forward on the headset as possible

Example: “With the controller resting by your side, you can now grab the corresponding headset. When you do, make sure you always hold it with two hands. ” 

 

Entering the Gamespace

• Encourage the customer to let the controller rest by their side and hold the controller in two hands before entering the Arena
• The rest of the suit up can be explained/performed in the gamespace including:
  • Players placing the headset on
  • Adjusting the focus and volume
  • Adjusting the fit using the adjustment dial and the velcro strap

 Example: “You can now follow me into the gamespace! Once you find your mark, feel free to place the headset on your head and adjust fit using the large dial at the back. Adjust the focus using the dial at the bottom of the headset, and remember you can adjust the volume if the game is too loud or quiet for you. Finally, once you’ve got the focus as clear as possible, you can use the velcro strap to help support the headset in that position” 

 

Exiting the Gamespace 

• Remind customers to let their controller rest by their side, and to take the headset off with two hands
• Keep the customer’s attention and escort them off the gamespace to the debriefing area

 Example: “Thanks for playing everyone! In a moment your screens will go black, when they do I’ll ask you to let the controllers rest by your side, take the headset off with two hands, and then I’ll meet you in the gamespace to escort you off the space” 

 

Equipment Handling (Suit down - Doffing)

• Remind customers to that doffing happens in reverse order, and that they will need to take their headset off before handling the controller
• Encourage the customers to place their headsets on the hook resting on on the cushion a the back of the headset, facing down
• Encourage the customer place the controller on the hook from the hole at the butt of the gun, pointing down
  • The chest strap can be left to rest on the floor if it is not a tripping hazard, and adjusted later during cleaning

Example: “Before we check out our scores, I’m going to ask you all to take off your gear. The de-suit happens in the exact opposite order of the suit up, so when you’re ready please place your headset back on the hooks just like you found them, then you can take the controller off adn place it on the hook below by the hole at the butt of the gun” 

 

Equipment Handling - Postgame 

• Once the customers have left the venue, perform a check of the equipment, ensuring that
  • Headphone cables are not loose and are routed correctly
  • All buttons on the controller are functional

Article Keywords/Phrases: 
Equipment
Handling
Best Practices
Donning
Doffing
Maintenance