Feb. 7, 2019

From laser tag to virtual reality, the new Galaxy Gaming will offer an experience the owner says you won’t find anywhere around Sioux Falls.

Max Kaftanati looked nationwide as he put together his new location, which is slightly bigger than his current space and includes a brand-new laser tag arena and other new games.

The laser tag arena was installed recently by an Indianapolis-based company, and you won’t find one like it in any neighboring state, he said.

“Even the builders were blown away when they walked in,” he said. “We have over 100 props in there right now, with some signature props and some amazing artwork going all the way up to the ceiling.”

The closest comparable one is in Chicago, Kaftanati said.

“Nobody has anything like this,” he said. “It’s completely interactive. If you shoot at a tag, a special effect or sound comes out. And there will be a scoreboard that’s an improvement over our current guns. Everything is completely integrated.”

The new arena will be able to accommodate up to 26 players and allow for 25 game-play scenarios. Right now, his laser tag offers only an elimination game.

“And parents will be able to watch their kids,” he added. “We have cameras installed in the arena, plus if someone has never played, they can see how it looks and how people are playing and what happens.”

The plan is to open in the new building no later than the end of the month. It’s north of 39th Street and Mayfair Drive, next to the Baymont Inn and not far from the current location at 3801 W. 34th St. The business likely will be closed a couple of days midweek for the move when it happens.

Galaxy Gaming started along West Burnside Street in 2005 and moved two years later to 57th Street and Louise Avenue. It moved again about three years later to its present location.

During that time, gaming has changed considerably. Kaftanati’s latest location will reflect that, with an emphasis on virtual reality gaming that includes five VR stations.

“Right now, it’s kind of hidden in the back, and a lot of people who come here miss it,” he said. “In the new setup, it will be a lot more noticeable, and you’ll see it as soon as you walk in.”

His gaming stations also will increase, with a lot more Xbox One stations, he said.

Kaftanati’s wife, Mariya, co-owns the business and is among its eight employees. He’s still hiring referees for laser tag in the new location and virtual reality staff.

“Construction is pretty much done,” he said. “At this point, we’re waiting to install guns and train staff, and then we should be good to go.”