News Navigation
News Navigation
News Navigation
When it comes to action-packed games, many parents first think of screens, controllers and long afternoons spent sitting down. The term ‘glorification of violence’ quickly comes to mind, as does the concern that exercise and fresh air are being neglected. This is exactly where Recoil comes in. The game takes familiar mechanics from video games, but consistently shifts them outdoors and combines them with physical activity, team play and technology.
Instead of sitting in front of a monitor, players run, take cover, hide behind obstacles and move across larger areas. The game mechanics literally force players to keep moving. Sweating is not a side effect, but part of the concept. Recoil does not aim to create a digital substitute world, but to build a bridge between virtual game ideas and real movement.
At its core, Recoil works with a toy gun that is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The system is complemented by a free app that brings together all the information relevant to the game. Ammunition, hits, health status and special boosters are displayed there in real time. What is familiar from classic video games is not abolished here, but translated into a new environment. The key difference is the location of the game. It is not played in the living room, but outside. A Wi-Fi hub serves as the starting point and establishes a clearly defined playing radius. Within this area, players can move freely, target objectives and complete missions. Whether behind a hill, on a meadow or between parked cars – the space becomes part of the game and changes every round.
Recoil thrives on having multiple players active at the same time. Up to 16 people can connect to one hub. This creates a real group experience that goes beyond simple competition. Teams coordinate, discuss tactics and try to achieve goals together. Communication takes place directly via smartphone, optionally with headphones for a more intense sound experience. It is precisely this team aspect that sets the game apart from many single-player experiences. Communication, coordination and joint action become central elements. The pace of the game is fast, so standing still is not an option. If you want to win, you have to move, react and work together with others.
A frequently made comparison is to paintball. In fact, the game principle is reminiscent of this form of team sport, but completely avoids physical pain. Nothing comes out of the toy gun. Instead, Recoil works with infrared. Several sensors on the gun and an additional sensor on the clothing register hits and transmit them directly to the app. This system ensures that the game remains intense without creating any risk of injury. Hits are clearly recognised, while the experience remains physically safe. This is a crucial point for parents in particular, as it deliberately combines action and safety. Typical game elements in Recoil are:
A special detail is the integrated recoil of the toy gun. This effect has been deliberately incorporated to make the gaming experience more realistic. The name Recoil says it all. Each shot produces noticeable feedback, which makes the game feel more physical without resorting to real violence. The acoustic experience further enhances this impression. Shots, hits and ambient sounds are output via the smartphone or headphones. Combined with movement and team communication, this creates a scenario that feels much more intense for players than a classic outdoor game.
Behind the product is Goliath, a provider that is bringing Recoil from the USA to Europe. The game originated in America and is being gradually introduced to other markets. At the market launch, the focus will initially be on observing how the concept is received. Concrete expansions or additional modules are not yet firmly planned at this stage. Goliath clearly positions Recoil as a supplement to the existing range of games, not as a replacement. It is aimed at children and young people who like video games but also want to get some exercise. The target age group is deliberately young people who want to feel more grown-up and are looking for a slightly edgier, more realistic game.
Recoil shows that digital game mechanics are not necessarily tied to screens. Points, missions, teams and progress can also be translated into real spaces. The difference lies in the physical effort involved. Running, dodging, hiding and spontaneous decisions are just as much a part of it as tactical thinking. For parents, this creates a new category of toy. It is not a classic board game, not purely sports equipment and not a video game in the strict sense. Recoil moves between these categories and uses this intermediate position as its strength. It gets children out of the house without taking away what fascinates them about digital games. With Recoil, Goliath is focusing on a concept that does not seek to teach, but rather to offer something. If you want to play, you have to move. If you want to win, you need team spirit. And when you play outside, digital ideas suddenly become very real.
Trade fair reporting Germany - Trade fair knowledge, dates & events
