Iron City Classic mounds field action
P.M: The success of the Iron City Classic,
Southern Ten-Man Open and the recent
Texas ten-man mechanical events seem
to be driving interest to old school, 90s
style paintball again. Would you agree?
And if so what do you think is the draw?
Why so much interest in that style of
game again?
TIM: Yes. I have to agree that there is a
recent interest in the “older style” formats.
However, I find it difficult in referring to
them as “retro” as some have dubbed
them, as that would imply that it’s a fad or
something simply nostalgic. Although I do
agree that those feelings and memories
play a large part in their recent interest and
growth, I know that once newer players
experience the Classic format, there is
a good chance that they will be hooked
on the tournament side of paintball.
The Classic format is very simple and
doesn’t stray too far away from the basic
capture the flag game that we all grew up
enjoying. Also, over the next few months,
my goal is to educate fields, players, and
manufacturers about the Classic format’s
ability to include so many different styles
of players and its ability to help convert
newer players into active tournament
players, which directly correlates to repeat
sales and regularly customers. I foresee
the Classic paintball format eventually
providing growth across the entire industry.
Personally, I LOVE Xball, I have been doing
it professionally for quite a long time. But
it does cater to a very specific clientele that
has potentially limited the games growth.
RUSSELL: I would agree that a more
traditional version of competitive paintball
has certainly gained popularity within the
past few years. While on the face, it is easy
to label this a “retro” movement, the term
“old school” and “retro” are themes that
separate the present and the past in a way
that by definition limits growth.
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