Spy Ninjas HQ

Founded by YouTube stars and married couple Chad Wild Clay and Vy Qwaint, Spy Ninjas HQ is the world’s first ‘YouTuber Theme Park’ – a huge indoor adventure park located in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Featuring a zip line, aerial ropes course, climbing wall, trampolines, axe throwing, escape rooms, virtual reality and much more, it allows fans to enter the world of Chad and Vy’s popular YouTube series, Spy Ninjas.

The brief for Spy Ninjas HQ was to create a visually dynamic and immersive environment that enhances the adventure park’s attractions while also serving as a powerful marketing tool through social media appeal.

Given the nature of the facility, the lighting needed to be versatile, high-impact, and seamlessly integrated into the park’s theming.

The goal was to make lighting an attraction in itself, ensuring an “amaze effect” for visitors while maintaining practical usability for filming and social engagement.

To achieve this, systems integrator Fallout Zones LLC, installed over 150 ADJ lighting fixtures, including:
• 32 HEX Panel IP LED wash fixtures for vibrant ceiling washes that allow complete color transformations across the venue.
• Mega Hex Par LED par fixtures for accent lighting with high-output color mixing and energy efficiency.
• Jolt 300 LED strobe fixtures to enhance dramatic moments, such as simulated ‘hacker takeovers.’
• Focus Spot 4Z moving head spot fixtures to add dynamic GOBO projections and excitement in the trampoline area.
• UV COB Cannon fixtures for powerful UV lighting effects, making white and UV-reactive elements glow brightly.
• Ultra Hex Bar 6 linear LED wash fixtures for additional color washing in the ‘Ninja Tag’ obstacle course.
• Stinger II moonflower, laser, and UV fixtures to amplify the thrill factor with multi-effect lighting.
• Starburst rotating LED spheres, Sweeper Beam Quad LED bars, and Eliminator Lighting’s Vortex scanners for high-energy, visually engaging effects.

All fixtures were integrated into a building-wide DMX control system, allowing synchronized lighting changes for different moments and themes.

Several challenges arose during the installation process:
• Balancing Power Consumption: Given the extensive lighting, audio, video, and attraction equipment, power supply was a significant consideration. By selecting energy-efficient, LED-powered fixtures, the team ensured optimal performance without overloading the local power grid.
• Achieving Uniform Coverage: The need for an even color wash across the entire ceiling was a challenge. The 32 HEX Panel IP was chosen for its broad beam angle and the ability to soften its output with a frost filter, achieving consistent illumination without hotspots.
• Seamless DMX Integration: With over 500 DMX universes controlling the fixtures, precise programming was essential to allow smooth transitions between static lighting and themed moments. A centralized control system was implemented to manage this effectively.
• Durability and Reliability: The park operates daily with high foot traffic, requiring fixtures that could withstand continuous use. ADJ’s robust and reliable lighting solutions, were tested extensively before installation to ensure they could handle prolonged operation.

Spy Ninjas HQ is a groundbreaking project that sets a new standard for immersive entertainment lighting. This installation deserves recognition at the MONDO-DR Awards for several reasons:
• Innovative Use of Lighting: Unlike traditional fun centers where lighting is often an afterthought, Spy Ninjas HQ treats lighting as a key attraction. It transforms the venue into a living, evolving experience that enhances gameplay and storytelling.
• Multi-use technology: Although the facility is primarily a public attraction, it is also used ‘after hours’ by Chad Wild Clay and Vy Qwaint to record YouTube video content. At the flick of a switch, the lighting can be transformed to an even wash of high-CRI white light, making it the ideal for capturing high quality video content.
• Technical Excellence: The scale of DMX-controlled lighting integration (over 500 universes) demonstrates an advanced level of technical execution, allowing seamless transitions between standard operation and themed effects.
• Social Media Impact: The lighting design plays a pivotal role in making the venue visually stunning for visitors, encouraging organic promotion via user-generated content.
• Sustainability and Efficiency: By prioritizing high-output, energy-efficient LED fixtures, the project balances visual impact with responsible power usage.
• Industry-First Concept: As the world’s first YouTuber adventure park, Spy Ninjas HQ redefines interactive entertainment. The lighting design directly contributes to making this venue a unique and unforgettable experience.

By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in an indoor adventure park, this project exemplifies creativity, technical prowess, and immersive storytelling.