What is a Paintball Scenario Game?

Paintball Scenario Games are not new, but they have become the fastest growing type of Paintball game. Players, field owners, and sponsors have come to recognize the entertainment value of large scale, well-organized recreational games.

This guide is intended to give a description of the most common types of Paintball Scenario Games, briefly explain their design and show ways to help you to play. If you have never played in a scenario game, this guide may help you to understand what they are about and maybe help you decide to try one.

Scenario Game Themes

The most popular themes are Science Fiction and Action movies, TV shows, and historic or military events. The most popular reasons for attending a Scenario Game are the type, producer, location, play date, field fee and paint price, and finally- the theme, as depicted in pre-game advertising.

Scenario Game Types

There are many kinds of Scenario Games. But there are a few elements common to all types that help create a successful event for both the field and an entertaining experience for the players. Planning and preparation are the key factors of a good Scenario Game. Writers start with a theme for the game and an accurate map of the playing field. These are used to set the boundaries of the game. Common features of almost all types of Scenario Games are Medic Rules. These special Scenario Game features enhance the player's game experience by providing a method to return them to the game after elimination.

Single Day Scenario Games

The most common type is the Single Day Scenario Game. Good for both large and small fields, they are relatively easy to set up and run. The Single Day's advantage over the 24-Hour is the shorter time investment for the field and the players. They are usually 8 to 12 hours long and are normally played in daylight only. Single Day Scenario Games can be divided into 2 main variants, Mission Oriented and the Big Game.

Mission Oriented Scenario Games

Mission Oriented Scenario Games are divided into a series of mission time periods. The total group of players is divided into two equal groups and a leader is selected. Each mission begins in the break or assembly area with the two team leaders being given a map and written mission orders for the next game. The teams will have to perform opposing mission assignments within a specified time. When that time expires, or the mission of one team is accomplished, the players return to the break area and receive the next mission. The game can be played with the teams assuming alternating offense and defense roles, with the defending team entering the field first.

The advantage for this type is that it offers the producers excellent control of the Scenario Game through the use of written mission orders for each game, selected areas designated and prepared in advance, and set times for each mission and breaks.

Mission Oriented Scenario Games rely heavily on the use of prop objects placed on the field before the game. The field is usually seeded with props like ammo boxes, document envelopes, a dummy, or unusual items like a balloon tied to a tree or a cooler full of soda. Placing these objects on the field in advance reduces the task of running the props out to their correct position before each mission. During the course of a mission, the offense team is tasked with locating and returning an object to the break area while the defense team acts to prevent that from happening. Other type missions include setting up ambushes, attempting to capture or eliminate a specific enemy player, or the classic downed pilot rescue.

Scenario Game Players and Their Roles

Team Commander

No matter what type of Scenario Game you play in, there will be some sort of command structure. If you are lucky enough to be a Team Commander, use your command wisely. Always remember that the individual player is a paying customer of the field and must not be abused by your authority as their leader. Never ask a player to perform any task that you yourself would be unwilling to do. You have a great responsibility to lead the other players in your team by good example. If you are abusive, your subordinate teammates will either act like you or may defect to the enemy.

Scenario Games offer some form of role to everyone in the game. Some are very complicated, most are simple and easy to do, but all are about the most fun you can have while playing Paintball too!

Most players in a Scenario Game are Grunts. As a Grunt, your obligation is to perform the tasks or missions that the team leaders give out. This is not to say that all orders must be blindly followed. The important part is to complete the mission in the time allowed. If you have a good understanding of what is required, you won't need much direction to complete it. Grunts should try to help the team leaders to maintain unit cohesion by trying to stay together and operate as a team. If you play one of these roles, it is very important to learn what you can do with the role and use your skill as best that you can. Your team will be depending on your abilities.

Communications

Radio can be a major tool in a Scenario Game. Each team will also use them for communications between the command staff and individual squads.

A single radio equipped team can create a very effective method of control over an entire side. This is how it works- a team will take control of a side when one of its members plays the role of Team Commander. The Team Commander then assigns each of his radio-equipped teammates to positions in each platoon or squad. Using codes and call signs, the Team Commander now has people he trusts in each of the squads. This creates a very effective command and control structure.

Scenario Games are one of the most rewarding experiences Paintball can provide. The first thing to understand about them is that they are a FUN fantasy event.

*Excerpts were taken from http://www.warpig.com/paintball/recreational/psg.shtml