Role-playing scenario gamers!
Paintball is our sport. We want to find a good crowd at the field. We're looking for new gear. We don't want to see players skip paintball to play chess or take a hike. People, we think, should give up something-washing the truck, hiking, chess, zorbing-and play paintball instead.
Paintball always offers something new and different. Players don't want to miss a paintball day, because somebody always brings something new. Why, then, did paintball overall take a bit of a hit last year? Companies didn't see the same high growth rate as before.
A high-powered CEO asked whether too much firepower is driving players away. Sure is, for some players. Your e-mails are saying you're not going to play on tight speedball fields against out-of-control ramping electros. You're not interested in playing against shameless wipers. That's not the paintball you want. No surprise, is it, to see milsim is "in." Players want the woods. We're seeing milsim in paintball, airsoft, video games, clothing, and attitudes. Fields, stores, and companies are thriving where the customer is king, nasty is outlawed, and fun matters most. I've heard from one field that never saw any slowdown. It separates the electros from the other semis, and the newbies from advanced players. Teams are welcome to scrimmage but not against walk-ons.
Intense speedball action! Photos by Skirmish.com.
Over in the pro speedball arenas, games glamorize hardcore firepower. Fast pointblank bunkering, players risking physical injury to draw crowds screaming, "More!"-TV eats it up. Major companies see big marketing opportunities. Pros take the risks in their quest for big salaries and promotion contracts. To play on the edge means bending or breaking rules in any pro sport-no surprises there, it's the way they play. Paintball's big-league promoters work very hard promoting our sport. Still, loud whispers call for mandatory full headgear and some firepower limits as pro speedball grows rougher and rougher.
Paintball needs two things: to keep attracting new players, and to keep players in the game. I'd like to hear from everyone whose business is growing, to ask you the secret of your success (editor@actionpursuitgames.com). See you at the Summit.
Judge Not
You may be someone who's been playing paintball for years, or know very little about paintball and want to learn. If you're inclined toward outlawing sports, admit you want to outlaw people who play sports. You must brand them "bad people" to attack their fun. Before you judge this game in the negative, visit a paintball field.
Many, many people love our game. It's fun. It's a competitive sport, a hobby, something that provides a few hours break from the things in life that aren't so much fun. Players make friends with people from other cultures, other backgrounds. They learn the value of teamwork and individual effort. They learn why honesty and fairness matter. They experience success and failure, and understand how, when the games are over, you can laugh and joke with someone who's been "shooting at you" all day long. -Jessica Sparks |
