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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
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| Sep 29 2010, 2:46 AM EDT (current) | John_234 | |
| Sep 17 2010, 11:19 PM EDT | John_234 | 288 words added, 37 words deleted, 2 widgets added, 1 widget deleted |
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Airsoft originated from Japan in the 1980s, where heavy restrictions on real firearms drove firearms enthusiasts to look for realistic replicas to pursue their passion. The medium of a 6mm ABS pellet emerged and "War-gaming" became incredibly popular, more so than paintball in many parts of the world. To the sport that it shares a common originating era, airsoft is fundamentally similar.Both airsoft and paintball are non-contact sports that simulate firearms, either with 6mm ABS pellets, or .68 Caliber gelatin capsules. However, the mindset involves in the two games do differ significantly.
Airsoft is heavily scenario and simulation based. People play for the gear and the experience, rather than the competition. People do it to live in the simulated world created by the game, and to live something better than a video game. In contrast, Paintball is extremely competitive and the best teams will play in tournaments that may draw thousands of dollars in prizes, sponsorships and media coverage. It is really an extreme sport, where airsoft tends to be more of a hobby-sport.
What airsoft is good for is training weapons manipulation, trying out gear in the "field" and seeing how fit you really are. Aside from recoil and wounds, there isn't a whole lot different. You reload from the same pouches, run with the same weight and overall gear, and the average range of engagement makes shooting fairly true to a real weapon.
With some special effects and actors, airsoft is frequently used by the military and numerous law enforcement agencies to train for real-life scenarios. One of the main reasons for this is that it doesn't require complex equipment, such as the heavy padding and reinforced eye protection used for Simunitions, or the sensor equipment used in MILES laser tag. There are virtually no changes to the equipment required.
Scenario Games & Zombies
You'll notice running zombies, a lot of them, foam melee weapons, and lots of panicked, selfish survivors. What do these all have in common? Players. Players need to be willing to shot down by the dozens to make a good zombie team. Players need to be responsible with weapons so that more lenient rules can be allowed. Some players will have to drop their gun or zombie mask to be an actor that has a specific role for the other players. If players don't put out, and put up, there is no game. That is one factor that any game has to consider.
The game itself will probably be pretty expensive. You will have to rent out a commercial field or private property, arrange for actors and any special effects, as well as supply some kind of food and hydration. Most events, especially themed ones, will have some sort of costume contest or raffle as well. A local store or field's sponsorship can help hugely in arranging all this.
Guidelines
There are some rules that keep the sport running the way it does. Here are some condensed rules.
For the Player:
For the Game Coordinator:
For the Player:
- Dress appropriately. Some long sleeves, full face protection and some water will take you a long way.
- Don't be intimidated. Those BBs won't kill you.
- Play honest. Some kills may seem unfair, sometimes you really needed to play... not worth it. There are enough accidents and accusations in airsoft to create tension at times, the last thing you want to do is be called the cheater.
- Be a good sportsman (or woman). Some things aren't worth getting worked up over. You're here to shoot people, and have a good time of it.
For the Game Coordinator:
- Pick a good crowd, and know what they want. Your players will define the game.
- Be safe. Cordon off pitfalls, sharp edges, poisonous plantlife, also do a pre-game briefing of any dangerous wildlife and locations.
- Be flexible and accessible. Some players will have valid problems, weather won't agree, neighbors may complain. Stay on top of things and have some backup options.
For some tips on buying an airsoft gun, go here.
For some tried and true zombie scenarios, as well as some tips for creating new ones go here.
For some tried and true zombie scenarios, as well as some tips for creating new ones go here.
