Paintball guns were originally designed and used in 1972 in the USA to mark trees that are to be cut. According to the APG Magazine, paintball as we know it today was first played by Hayes Noel and Charles Gaines toward the end of the 70s. Paintball as a commercial industry, on the other hand, started in the 1980s, when Bob Guernsey, owner of the National Survival Games company, first released "Splatmaster" into the market. Splatmaster was the first gun designed specifically for paintball.

During the 80s, paintball was still known to be a survival sport which enabled its players to test their ability to survive in the wild. The basic equipment back then consisted of a compass and a map. Rules were simple and concise: "every player is responsible only for himself andonly one team survives!".

The game is like chess. It requires intelligence and determination, not merely strength or speed to be successful in the game of paintball. Paintball is a character building activity that builds self-confidence and leadership skills. It fortifies team play and spirit as well as any other sport out there.

Paintball played today, is a combination of the childhood games of "Tag" and "Hide and Seek", but much more challenging and sophisticated. Although there are many different styles of games, typically a group of players will divide into two teams to play "Capture the Flag". The object of the game is to capture the opposing team's flag while preventing them from capturing your own. As you attempt to capture the flag, you can also eliminate opposing players by tagging them with a paintball expelled from a special CO2-powered paintball gun. Games usually have a time limit of 15 to 30 minutes depending on the type of game being played. Win or lose, everyone has a great time and there's always the next game waiting for you.

A paintball is a round, thin-skinned gelatin capsule with coloured liquid inside it. When a player is tagged bye a paintball, the thin gelatin skin splits open, and the liquid inside leaves a bright "paint" mark (or a "splat" mark). A player who is marked by a paintball is eliminated from the current game. The "paint", which is non-toxic, non-caustic, water-soluble and biodegradable, rinses out of clothing and off of skin with mild soap and water.

Paintball is a very safe sport when the saftey rules are followed. Players must always wear special goggles and masks, made specifically for paintball, to protect their eyes and faces during the game and while in any area where shooting of paintballs is permitted, such as the target range. Paintball guns are tested with a chronograph to ensure the paintballs do not exceed a safe speed (generally 300 fps). Referees are on the field to control the game, enforce rules of safety and fair play, and assist players with their equipment.

Paintball is somewhat like war except in war when you get shot or hit by a grenade or bullet it hurts just a little more. The strategy is really important. Many paintball games are modeled after real wars or battles.

The basic format requires you to get your team to the other end of the field, using trees or manmade barricades as cover, seize the flag from the other team's base and run it back to your own before time runs out.

All the time the other team will be shooting paint at you, and you'll be returning the favor to try and prevent them from grabbing your flag. If a member of the opposition manages to hit you with a paintball and it marks you anywhere on your person, paintgun or clothing, you're out until the next game and the other team will be awarded points for your elimination.

Points are awarded for eliminating opposing players, seizing the opposition's flag and hanging it in your own base within the allowed time, which can be anything from five to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the teams (usually 5, 7 or 10-Player). There are many variations on the original game, from walk-ons, where the size of the teams depends on how many players turn up on the day, to 24-hour scenario games that can have teams of several hundred players and are often based around a movie or historical event.

Who can play?
The only requirement to play paintball in Turkey is that players have to be over 18 years of age. This game does not discriminate between sexes, nor does it between physical characteristics. The team that manages to stay calm and to make decisions, will eventually be the winner of the battle.

What do you wear?
It would be extremely helpful for you if you wear a jumpsuit. Otherwise, wear clothes with long sleeves and legs. Remember to wear old, but durable, clothes, as you will be rolling in mud, water, or soil, while paint will be shot at you. If you get paint splattered on your clothes, do not get upset. The paint is natural dye with no chemical additives and comes off even with a damp piece of cloth.

Issues on security!!
Unlike other team games, this game bears virtually no risks of getting injured. This is mainly because there is no physical contact between players. Players wear safety goggles, or masks, and carry quality assured guns during the game. Prior to the start, guns are tested with a chronograph to ensure the paintballs do not exceed a safe speed (generally 300 fps).