Digital Targets – How To Have Even More Fun Axe Throwing
Digital projected targets offer more games, more interaction, and more fun than standard one target axe throwing. Here’s an outline of what is available
As much as throwing the same axe, at the same target, over and over again is great, digital targets allow you to project a variety of games on to the boards – for even more cutting edge fun!
A digital target system comprises of a blank wood target with various games projected on to it, using a computer and projector. A single target can then be transformed into multiple games. The skill of throwing an axe remains the same, but now it can be applied to as many games you can get on your computer.
Digital Target System Equipment
Blank Target
It is pretty obvious, but it’s worth mentioning that the target simply needs to be blank wood. Apart from that, the target construction is just the same as if it was painted (either planks or end-grain to suit).
One of the benefits of projected targets is that you don’t need to try to paint on rough wood, a particular issue with end-grain. Similarly, you don’t need a stencil for the specific dimensions of a target.
Projector/Mount
A good quality projector is needed. A high quality lens will provide a clearer picture and last longer. More expensive projectors will have the ability to replace the lens. This will extend the life of the projector.
The axe throwing range will presumably have some ambient light (assuming you’re not throwing totally in the dark), so the higher the lumens the better, at least 5000 lumens should provide sufficient clarity.
The projector will be mounted at the opposite end of the axe throwing lane to the target. Custom mounts can be bought with the projector, or constructed. Preferably the mount is above the lane in the centre to get a balanced projection (although projectors can be to the side of the lane).
Projectors will need to be accessible to allow maintenance, eg to clean the filter, and have sufficient airflow.
Auto-Detection Sensor
It is also possible to add a camera/sensor to some projectors, so that the axe hit on the target is automatically registered in the game. This enables automatic scoring and also a wider variety of dynamic axe throwing games. Of course, this also needs accompanying software.
Computer
A computer is needed to run the games. It could be some sort of laptop/PC, but a small micro computer, eg Raspberry Pi, is cheaper and perfectly adequate.
If you have more than one throwing lane, you might want to have a central computer, so that each lane can be controlled from one point. Otherwise, a separate system for each lane is usually controlled by the throwers on that lane, eg by a mouse and keyboard.
A tablet, eg iPad, is another option for running the games. The users can select the games via the tablet screen, and even use it to score.
The computer/tablet will need to connect to the projector, either via cables, or for greater flexibility via a wireless connection (assuming the projector has that capability).
Games Software
You can project as many types of games as you can think of onto your target, provided they can be run on your computer. If you have the necessary skills you can create your own games, or you can buy them in (see Digital Target Suppliers below).
The “software” can be as simple as a set of images clicked through by a presentation clicker. For example, a tournament style circular target or a monster to throw at. You could even just throw at images of your boss (although I’m not advocating that!).
With the right equipment and software, the games can be far more interactive with dynamic targets and automatic scoring. For example, ‘whack a mole’, where the mole moves around the screen and you have to hit it before it disappears.
Do It Yourself
If you have coding skills, or can hire someone, you can write your own games. A relatively simple option is to write a game to run on a tablet (simple in that you still need to code it). The game is ostensibly played on the tablet, ie you click on the screen to record a hit, but is projected on to the target.
An even simpler option is to create a set of slides and simply project them on to the target. This creates a static target as usable as a painted target, with the advantage that you can have multiple games on one lane. Like a painted target, you still need to record the scoring separately.
At the Eat Sleep Axe venue I simply created a set of Libre Office slides with 9 basic games (run on a Raspberry Pi), which works well. Scoring is on a chalk board. One of the main benefits is that you can add new slides/games whenever you like, eg for Halloween/Christmas or for special events such as customer birthdays.
Digital Target Suppliers
If you don’t want to make your own digital target there are a few businesses that can supply one. I’ve included some suppliers here to give a flavour of what is on offer, but, as ever, this does not imply any endorsement of these businesses. I’ve also added prices that were correct at the time of publishing. These should give a reasonable idea of the relative costs, but obviously may change and need to be confirmed with the supplier if you decide to buy from them.
Axcitement
Axcitement is a well-established player offering “the future of axe throwing” according to their website. They developed their products at their Texas axe throwing venues (having diversified from the GatSplat paintballing business) and now supply projected digital targets worldwide.
Axcitement can supply everything needed for a complete projected target system, including building custom lanes, boards etc. Their basic product is a ready-to-install one target projection system, including an Epson projector, microcomputer and their custom games. They provide digital scoring and can also provide auto-detection.
Games include such things as Zombie Hunter, Tic-tac-toe (noughts & crosses), and targets, including the IATF-authorised tournament target.
Champ Throw Interactive
Champ Throw developed their interactive axe throwing system initially with Florida axe throwing venues, before launching it to the world in 2021. They quickly added automatic recognition, ie detecting the hit and automated scoring. More recently they have diversified to other throwing items, eg darts, toys.
They supply their Champ Throw interactive system as an arcade-like cabinet, which you simply plug in, configure and point at the target (it stands to the side of the entrance to the throwing lane). They also supply lane kits, which are assembled at a venue.
Games include colourful arcade like games, such as Monster Crush and Duck Hunt, and bullseye targets.
DigiThrow
DigiThrow was developed by the owner of the Hachedelancer.fr online axe throwing store. It is software only, but they do recommend appropriate hardware that you can source yourself (estimated around £1150).
DigiThrow is developing AI for auto detection, ie the software works out from the video where the hit is. It therefore doesn’t need a special detection sensor, but it does require a mini-computer, such as an Apple Mac Mini, to run the software. The digital target system is standalone, but it can be connected to the DigiThrow.com website to record game scores online, thereby enabling players to compare their results with others.
Prices start at €30 per target per month. There are currently 12 games, including 2 beta version games using the auto detection. There are a number of different target/competition games and also “fun” games such as Tic Tac Toe and Poker. New games will be added based on community feedback.
Hyper Axe
Hyper Axe is software only. The software still needs the same kind of hardware as other systems, but they leave you to source your own projectors, computers, etc (with guidance).
The software developer behind Hyper Axe created a successful escape room management control software system and was then asked (by combined escape room/axe throwing venues) to see if he could come up with something for axe throwing. Hyper Axe was the result. It provides a centralised management system, which allows the venue to monitor each axe throwing lane from a single computer screen. The software for each lane/target is then run by the customer on a personal device, eg a tablet.
Hyper Axe has an attractive pricing model, where all the software is provided per venue for a set monthly payment. This includes any new games that are added in future at no extra cost. Games include standard targets, eg WATL-style, Alien Invasion and Bowling.
Kloom Studios
Kloom Studios is also a specialist digital target software supplier. They provide recommendations for the projector, tablet and Chromecast, but you are free to source your own hardware, to your own needs.
The Kloom Studios founders also run the El Hachazo axe throwing franchise in Spain. There are currently five El Hachazo locations (three in Madrid, Murcia and Valencia), which all run the Kloom Studios software. It is tablet based. Each tablet, usually a Samsung Galaxy, is loaded with the games, scoreboard and game timer. Each tablet is then connected to a projector and projected on to the boards, on a single lane. The players then record the axe hit by tapping the appropriate place on the tablet.
Kloom Studios offers pricing per target on a sliding scale, so the more targets you have the cheaper it is per target. There are 15 games, including arcade like games such as Hit The Clown and Space Invader, target-based games like 21, and plenty of precision throwing games such as Connect 4.
Suppliers Pricing Comparison
NB: These prices are included as a guide, but are general estimates from each supplier and actual prices may vary for specific installations. Prices do not include local taxes. The displayed prices are all in GBP for easy comparison, and may not reflect current exchange rates.
Digital Target Software Only
| Cost for games Licence for 6 targets (for comparison – more/fewer target licences may be bought) |
| DigiThrow | HyperAxe | Kloom Studios |
| £92pm (unlimited targets per venue) | £125pm/£1300pa (unlimited targets per venue) | £120pm |
Complete Digital Target Package
| Axcitement | Champ Throw | |
| 1 Lane Build | £5534-£9500 | £5488 |
| 1 Projection System | £930 | £4270 |
| 1 Auto-detection | £355 | Included |
| Games Licence for 6 targets | £114pm/£1160pa | £315pm/£3155pa (up to 6 targets) |
