World-first Drone-Games to be launched in North Lakes

A world-first game using drones, developed right here in the Moreton Bay Region, will be launched at North Lakes next week.

Drone-Games uses mobile net cages and easily-controlled microdrones in six structured games involving obstacle courses, bowling pins and even Nerf guns.

Players can operate the drones by sight or use the phone screen showing the view from the drone camera.

Launch date

It can be played by anyone of any age, no experience is needed and is affordable, said Darren Stone, Managing Director of Drone-Games, in Murrumba Downs.

This new concept will be unveiled at the Innovate Moreton Bay Monthly Social Catch-up at North Lakes Sports Club on Wednesday June 16, 3-5pm. Entry is free.

“Drone-Games is an opportunity for people to have fun with the technology by racing, crashing and shooting the drones with nerf guns,” said Mr Stone.

“After all, who hasn’t wanted to shoot a drone!”

Open to anyone

Mr Stone said drone racing was seen as a “specialist hobby” needing a lot of time and money. As such it was often bypassed for something “achievable”.

Drone-Games gives anyone the opportunity to try drone technology in a safe and fun way, “without having to invest heavily”, said Mr Stone.

“A complete beginner will be in the air in no time. Get a taste of the technology before choosing to dive in or not dive in.”

Drone racing

The idea first came to Mr Stone, who works as an engineer with Jetstar, while working in Vietnam and has been steadily developed.

“I thought there must be a way to give people the opportunity to experience drone technology - and particularly drone racing, without them investing considerable time and money only to put it in the bottom drawer if they don’t like it” he said.

“We’ve worked closely with CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) around the regulations and safety.

“The drones are in a netted area and have cages around them. If a drone comes down there’s a 90 per cent chance it will roll and the pilot be able to get it up again.”

For five to 81

Mr Stone said, so far, the youngest person to try Drone-Games was just five years old.

“We thought he would last five minutes but he stayed sitting down for 45 minutes and was solving problems by the end of it,” said Mr Stone.

“The oldest was an 81-year-old man who had to be persuaded to have a go. He loved it.”

Team building

Drone-Games will cater for a wide variety of groups and organisations, but Mr Stone sees it as ideal for businesses and corporate team building.

The cages can be moved and set-up at suitable locations for businesses using the corporate team-building resource.

Full instruction is provided for players and Mr Stone hoped in time Drone-Games would also have a permanent base with courses set-up.

Drone Games

• Drone Racing – goes through an obstacle course The winner is crowned Ace of Drones – for an individual and Team Ace for teams!
• Enforcers v Rebels –Rebel drones have to make it through an obstacle course before Enforcers take them out.
• Drones v Sharpshooters – Two teams choose their pilots. Those not flying select Nerf Guns to take out the opposition drones.
• Drone Bowling – Selected drones are used as bowling balls to get a high score.
• Drone Tag – a lone pilot will try to evade up to three taggers for five minutes.
• Drone Battle – Four pilots battle to be the last one flying while also battling control with Nerf Gun wielding sharp shooters trying to ground them!

For further information visit facebook.com/Drone-Games

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