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.