NERF Action Xperience

NERF Action Xperience, an immersive indoor arena in Manchester designed for interactive NERF battles, required a lighting system that could define game zones and support dynamic colour changes in response to gameplay.

Technically Creative, specialists in immersive lighting, AV, and interactive game design, were commissioned to develop and install the venue’s lighting, sound, and interactive elements.

Their objective was to create a fully responsive lighting system that integrated seamlessly across the space, adapting to different zones and interactive triggers.

Working closely with Technically Creative, Ultra LEDs supplied professional-grade RGB strip lighting and Neon Flex solutions, ensuring optimal performance, seamless integration, and long-term reliability throughout the venue.

Designing the Lighting System

Technically Creative was responsible for designing and installing the venue’s lighting, sound, and interactive gameplay features, including 13 custom-built games that ranged from physical challenges to digital-based experiences.

The lighting system was designed to enhance the experience of each NERF game, providing clear visual cues, dynamic effects, and seamless transitions between different zones.

To achieve this, Technically Creative prioritised programmable, responsive lighting that could integrate with the venue’s interactive elements and game mechanics.

Moving beyond static lighting setups, they developed a system that allowed real-time colour changes and triggered effects, ensuring each game zone remained visually distinct and engaging.

"For this project, we required a large quantity of addressable LED strip for a thematic ceiling structure in the retail area. Matthew from Ultra LEDs recommended a solution that integrated perfectly into our design."

- James Voakes, Technically Creative

About Technically Creative

Technically Creative is a UK-based company specialising in the design and installation of immersive experiences using advanced lighting, audio, and software-controlled systems.

With expertise in both AV integration and interactive design, the team develops high-impact attractions for entertainment venues, museums, and experiential installations. Their work combines technical innovation with creative execution to build unique, engaging spaces.

For NERF Action Xperience, their knowledge of programmable lighting and themed environments was instrumental in delivering a visually striking, interactive setting that enhances the player experience.

"We needed bright, reliable lighting to achieve the neon cyberpunk effect while maintaining full colour control. Since client preferences can vary, having a flexible solution was essential. Ultra LEDs’ decoders allowed us to create dynamic lighting effects, ensuring adaptability throughout the installation."

The Lighting Concept

Ultra LEDs worked closely with Technically Creative to supply a combination of RGB strip lighting, Neon Flex, and addressable LED solutions, ensuring a fully integrated lighting system across the venue.

Toning Essential RGB 60LEDs 50M – Installed throughout the game zones and retail areas, delivering dynamic colour effects that adapt to different gameplay modes.
Neon Flex for Feature Lighting – Used to illuminate the large basketball hoops, providing smooth and consistent illumination for key interactive features.
Addressable LED Solutions – Integrated into a custom ceiling structure in the retail area, allowing for programmed lighting effects and animation sequences that enhanced the experience.
LTech 24-Channel 3A DMX512 Decoder – Used to control lighting zones, enabling smooth transitions and synchronised effects throughout the venue.

Ultra LEDs worked alongside Technically Creative’s lighting and electrical teams, offering product recommendations to achieve consistent brightness, colour accuracy, and long-term performance.

Bringing the Lighting Installation to Life

To achieve a high-energy, immersive environment, Technically Creative developed a lighting system that was fully programmable, interactive, and visually impactful.

Defining Game Zones – RGB LED strip lighting was used to outline different play areas, ensuring each zone maintained a unique identity while supporting smooth transitions and triggered effects.
Feature Lighting for Key Installations – Neon Flex was applied to highlight major attractions, such as the illuminated basketball hoops, providing bright, even illumination for interactive features.
Interactive Ceiling Design – Addressable LED strips were embedded into a custom ceiling structure in the retail area, adding depth and movement while reinforcing the immersive theme.

Ultra LEDs worked alongside Technically Creative to refine lighting placement and optimise the control system, ensuring the lighting integrated seamlessly with the venue’s interactive elements.

Overcoming Installation Challenges

Throughout the project, different lighting configurations were tested to achieve the best outcome. Ultra LEDs supported Technically Creative with product advice, testing, and adjustments before finalising the most effective solution.

"We choose Ultra LEDs for our thematic installations because of their extensive product range, reliable availability, and responsive support. They’ve also assisted us in testing different LED strip enclosures and covers to ensure the best fit and finish for our projects."

Technically Creative’s lighting design at NERF Action Xperience demonstrates how dynamic LED solutions can transform interactive environments. By integrating RGB strip lighting, Neon Flex, and addressable LEDs, they created an immersive, responsive space tailored to fast-paced gameplay.

If you're working on an experiential venue, attraction, or themed entertainment space, Ultra LEDs can provide expert guidance and custom lighting solutions designed to enhance interactivity and visual impact.

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