It's a topic of constant conversation amongst paintball players everywhere. Just what exactly is paintball scenario? The broadest definition, as taken from the Paintball Scenario Field Manual, is a "paintball game designed to provide multiple objectives and follow a common theme".
Under this broad definition fall several different sub-types of scenario play:
- Historical Recreation / Mil-Sim
- LARP
- Non-Themed Big Game
- Woodsball Tournament.
Historical Recreation / Mil-Sim Scenario Games
Historical recreation scenarios may also be referred to as mil-sim scenarios, tactical scenarios, and live action war games. In most cases, the events are based on historical conflicts that occurred from as far back as the American Civil War all the way up to present day events. Historical recreation scenarios focus on recreating a tactical situation on the field that is similar to the historical event the game is based upon. It is not uncommon to see groups of players wearing military uniforms that coincide with the theme of the game.
Rule systems used for this type of scenario game are designed to simulate artillery, air strikes, tanks and more to build an impression of a large scale war. Common rules systems for this genre include the Landstrade System and the Bailey System.
Some of the largest scenario events fall into the historical recreation genre, most notably:
- Oklahoma D-Day
- Invasion Normandy in Pennsylvania
- Operation: Market Garden in Texas and
- The Ardennes Sector in Missouri.
Live Action Role Play
Live Action Role Play (or LARP) games usually draw their themes from fictional sources such as popular books, movies and video games. The focus becomes building the story as the game moves along and the players can find themselves playing the role of a special character in the game. The rule system used in this style of gaming is designed for character interaction on the field and simulation on the field of fictional events.
These paintball games have a small but loyal following that is known for traveling great distances to attend games produced by their favorite paintball scenario production companies. The most notable producers using this style of play include:
- Wayne Dollack Games
- Black Cat Productions
- TAW Productions.
Non-Themed Big Games
Non-themed big games are usually run in "red team versus blue team style" that should be familiar to anyone who has ever spent more than 5 minutes at a football game. Sometimes the events and teams within this genre of scenario play have names with a historical or fictional significance, but the game itself does not run on a story line or attempt to mimic the setting, style or situation of the theme. These paintball games normally have a closely counted score based on the control of flag positions and special missions.
This style is the most basic style of scenario play, but it is also the easiest for new players to understand. One of the biggest non-themed games is the Michigan Monster Game, which boasts well over 1,000 players in attendance each year.
The Woodsball Tournament Style of Scenario Play
Woodsball tournaments are the subject of great debate amongst players in the scenario world. In this style you will find elements of NPPL tournament play. However, the majority of woodsball tournaments still set up situations that go beyond just tagging out the other player and hanging the flag. In most cases the game is set so that every team has a chance to defend and attack in each situation that is part of the tournament. Some follow the same game layout throughout the tournament, and others incorporate multiple situations throughout the event.
Rule systems in this genre of paintball scenario vary, but are similar to the NPPL tournaments rules with modifications to allow grenades, night vision goggles and other tools used in scenario play. There are at least four companies specializing in producing this style of play and many paintball fields hold their own events in this style. The most notable woodsball leagues are the SPPL and the UWL.
Finding Paintball Scenario Games to Play
Though some genres of paintball scenario play are more popular in certain areas of the country than others, players should have no difficulty finding plenty of nearby games to attend. The popular website PBReview.Com has an excellent 'Field Finder' that shows players nearby fields and reviews from other players.
Whichever style of scenario play a player prefers, he is sure to find a field nearby producing games that suit his taste.
Resources for Further Information on Paintball Scenario
Stober, Ivan. Paintball Scenario Field Manual. Fort Worth, TX: Landstrade Publishing, 2006.
Amber Hunter - Amber Hunter is a graduate of SMU Richardson's Networking Technologies Program. She is A+ Certified, Net+ Certified, and MCSA Certified. ...
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