• New Paintball App Could Provide Radar, Communications, and More

    In a world where there are apps being developed for all kinds of purposes, paintball is no exception. The Overwatch app is currently being developed for use on the paintball field with some pretty cool features, including the ability to track players and live chat with teammates. The app’s website suggests mounting your smartphone on your marker or attaching to your wrist with a wristband to use the app during gameplay.

    Photo Courtesy Overwatchapp.com

    Photo Courtesy Overwatchapp.com

    Here’s a full list of features from the app’s website:

    • Radar: Track you enemies’ and teammates’ every move in real-time with GPS integration
    • Chat: Stay in constant contact with your team on the battlefield with live voice chat
    • Perks: Dish out in-game perks to give your team the ultimate edge
    • Command Center: Control your team (and the chaos on the field) from any remote location

    Could this app become mainstream on the paintball field? It seems like it could come in handy during big scenario games or for fast-paced team maneuvers. Of course, full team integration of the app would be needed to make it worthwhile.

    You wouldn’t need to waste time figuring out if it’s an enemy or teammate approaching, because the app would tell you right away. You could also more easily communicate with teammates to plan ambushes and attacks.

    However, does this take the excitement out of the game? This app may make paintball too similar to a video game. Isn’t half the fun exploring the field and finding opponents on your own, instead of through a phone screen?

    The app was, in fact, inspired by video games. It seems the developers are trying to combine video games with real-life play.

    According to the website, “Inspired by classic first-person shooter video games, Overwatch is the next generation of interactive gaming. Using Overwatch, all the technology you’ve come to love from combat and first-person shooter video games is available in real life – right on your smartphone. Overwatch isn’t just another smartphone game; it’s a tactical utility to enhance airsoft, paintball and first-person shooter gameplay. It’s not just game time. It’s game time. For real.”

    Another thing to consider is the risk of your smartphone being hit and potentially damaged. You would need to invest in a high quality protective phone case to keep it safe.

    Do you think this app could take off in the paintball world? Will paintball still be fun if you already know where your opponents are at all times? Let us know in the comments.

    October 6, 2014

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  • How to Start or Join a College Paintball Club

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    College is the perfect time to join a paintball club. Whether you’ve been playing since you were a kid or are looking to try something new, paintball can be a great way to get involved on campus. You’ll stay active, have fun, and make a ton of friends at your school. There’s never a dull moment when you’re playing paintball!

    Joining a Collegiate Paintball Team or Club

    Look on your university’s website, post in your school’s Facebook groups, or ask around to find out if your school has a paintball team or club. Contact the captain/president to find out how you can get involved.

    Do they hold tryouts or can anyone join? Do they accept new members any time during the semester or only during the start? If not, ask if you can come check out a practice or tournament and let them know you’re interesting in joining as soon as you can.

    Even if you can’t play right away, there are probably other ways you can get involved. Maybe they need an equipment guy or help on the business end of the team, like balancing the budget. If they are an established club, they probably hold events you could go to during the semester to get to know the players better. The wait will also give you time to improve your paintball game. Check out a local paintball field during walk-on hours and play to develop your skills.

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    Starting a Collegiate Paintball Team or Club

    If your school doesn’t have a paintball team, why not start one? This will be a much larger time commitment than joining an established team, so make sure you’re ready. Starting a paintball team from scratch is a lot like starting a business, so you’ll definitely gain some valuable skills and experience.

    You’ll want to pay attention to a few main areas to make your team successful: organization, leadership, recruitment, finances, and marketing. Doing all of this alone can be difficult, so find other students who are willing to help. A core group of people who are interesting in leading the paintball initiative together will be more likely to succeed. Your team members don’t necessarily need to be friends or people you already know. One of your goals should be to meet new friends and bring people together who have a common interest. Put up flyers around campus or post in university Facebook groups to find other students that want to grow paintball at your school.

    Check with your school for specifics, but generally starting a club is easy: you’ll first need a list of 5-10 students interested in joining the club. Fill out the proper paperwork and maybe give a brief presentation about your club, and you are good to go.

    Once you are officially recognized by your university as a club or team, you can start playing in collegiate paintball tournaments. Now that you have a better idea of how to join or create a paintball team, get to it! Then get out on the field and have some fun.

    September 10, 2014

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  • 5 Tips to Improve Your Paintball Game

    There are simsideshotple ways to improve your paintball game without spending tons of money or time. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paintball player, use the following tips to increase the chances of winning your next paintball game.

    1. Choose the Proper Equipment

    Make sure you choose the proper equipment for your height and body type. If it is too bulky or heavy for you to carry, it will drag you down on the field. If it is too lightweight, it might not provide enough coverage.

    2. Practice Aiming Off the Field

    Even if you can’t practice shooting targets at home, you can still perfect your aim. Wear your mask and tape a laser pointer to the barrel of the paintball gun marker. The laser pointer will help you estimate where the paintball would hit if you fired. Walk or run around as you would in a real game and practice aiming at targets. Aim the laser at a target in your house or backyard. Practice keeping the laser pointed at the target as you walk, jog, and run. You will develop a steady aim as you practice.

    3. Increase the Firing Rate of Your Gun

    If your gun seems to be firing too slowly, it is possible to increase the firing rate. Use your middle and index fingers to pull the trigger slowly at first, then gradually pull faster and faster. This technique is called “walking the trigger.”

    4. Walk the Field and Strategize

    Walk around the field before game play to get a feel for it. Learn the angles, bunkers, and places to hide. If your teammates are with you, use this time to think of an appropriate strategy for this field. A good strategy can win against a superior team with poor organization.

    5. Focus on Teamwork

    Remember, paintball is a team sport. Solid teamwork and communication will win you more games than a focus on individual glory. Shout or use radios to let your teammates know where opposing players are and to coordinate attacks. Always cover your teammates when they need to reload so they won’t get hit in the meantime.

    July 31, 2014

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  • Paintball Helps Keep Spirits High In Baghdad

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    As a war wages on the streets of Baghdad, Iraq, its residents search for ways to keep morale up. For one group of friends, it’s paintball that helps them gain a sense of normalcy and keep their spirits high. This group of men, who met in college, gather every so often and participate in a game of paintball to let off some steam.

    Hannah Allam writes for the McClatchy DC News:

    A sniper crouched next to a pile of sandbags, taking aim at anything that moved. Return fire came in bursts, from behind a palm tree.

    “Go! Go! Go!” one fighter yelled.

    “I’m hit!” shouted another.

    Then, abruptly, the combat ended. The fighters yanked off their protective masks and let out exhilarated laughter.

    This scene took place at Baghdad’s paintball field, despite the all-too-real war taking place outside. As the battle continues between Iraq and Islamic extremists, this group of friends is happy to have found a hobby to lighten their moods and help them laugh.

    “The most important thing is that, here, there’s no blood,” Ahmed Raad told the McClatchy DC News.

    Life carries on as Baghdad residents learn to live with the violence that has become normal in their town.  Paintball has helped them have some lighthearted fun in a serious time.

    “We must live our lives. We’ve learned how to keep going under difficult circumstances.” Abdullah al Rawi told the McClatchy DC News.

    We are happy paintball can offer this group a way to unwind and carry on with their lives in a very stressful time.

    Paintball has the power to transport people to an exciting and laughter-filled world if only for a few hours. It can bring friends together in an adventurous and carefree environment. We are proud to be players and fans of this fantastic game.

    July 23, 2014

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  • Free Quick Shooting Paintball Game

    Whatever it is you’re doing at the moment, I’m pretty sure you’d rather be playing paintball. We understand the feeling. That’s why when we found this free flash game over at Fugly.com we thought we’d share with everyone.

    What you’re getting here isn’t anything ground breaking but it will distract you for five minutes. Isn’t that what the internet is all about? Start the game up and plaster as many pop-out paintball opponents as you can.

    If you get a high score you’re proud of, leave it in the comments below and see if anyone else can beat your record.

    Our Current Best Score: 52 “kills”

    PLAY HERE

    October 31, 2013

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