You can’t spell “Paintball” without “Pain”

Matrix Product Development recently did consulting work in the area of paintball. They were asked to turn what could very well be the most painful, widely played, recreational game into a much more high-tech game. Using infra-red technology and sensors, the game is changed into a form of long-range laser tag. Yes, what you just heard was the sound of paintball enthusiasts worldwide crying out. But before you lose faith let’s go through some pro’s and con’s of this new system.

Pros:

• Players don’t have to sell plasma to fund the purchase of paintballs any longer
• Insurance prices would decrease greatly for “paintball” sites which could easily translate into lower fees for customers
• No masks. Let me put that another way. No more masks which fog up and allow visibility of only 2 feet directly in front of you. Other issues with the masks include lack of oxygen after even the shortest sprint across an arena (carbon dioxide poisoning anyone?)
• No brown and yellow welts which last for 2 to 3 weeks after the match. (While I understand how awesome showing off battle-scars to a female is, I also know that giving a business presentation with something resembling a massive hickey on your neck is not a wise option.)
• Running out of CO2 mid-match will no longer be an issue
• No Pain! [unless you’re the guy who sprints into or off of something while in play (you know who you are)]

Cons:

• Higher price tag of the gear (which could possibly be seen as an investment for never having to buy paint again)
• Possible equipment malfunction during play (though if your sensors aren’t working, that means you’re invincible right?)
• Possibility of people covering their sensors
• The fact that you’re not actually shooting anything tangible
• No Pain! (yes to many people this is a con)

While hard-core paintballers will be gnashing their teeth at the mere idea, audiences consisting of recreational and younger players have something to look into. Let me put it this way, if you play paintball half for the fun of nailing your buddy in the back, stick with paintball. However, if you play for the rush of run-and-gun tactical play, then it would be worth your while to look into this new system.

When all is said and done it is a personal decision between the new technological combat and paintball. But in my opinion, if it’s good enough for the military, hey, it’s good enough for me.