Paintball (in Spanish "paintball") is a complex strategy game in which participants use paintball guns, to shoot paintballs against members of the other team. The players reached by paintballs are eliminated from it sometimes transiently and sometimes definitively, depending on the modality. Contrary to what is thought, it is one of the safest outdoor sports. The markers, which are powered by compressed air, CO2 or other gases, were initially sold in agricultural catalogs and could also be used to mark trees.
Normally in a game of paintball two teams face each other in order to eliminate all players from the rival side or complete a goal (such as capturing a flag or eliminating a specific player). A typical non-professional paintball game usually lasts about five minutes to half an hour. The basic equipment necessary to practice paintball is not excessively expensive (although the markers and other high-end elements can be). The number of paintballs fired during a game varies according to the game mode and from one player to another: some shoot hundreds, others a few and even some fail to shoot throughout the game.
Since its birth, paintball has dragged a multitude of casual or permanent players. The Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association estimates that approximately 10 million Americans play paintball annually.
Paintball games can be played indoors or outdoors and take different forms, being some of the most popular woodsball, "Milsim" and the tournament or speedball. The rules vary widely from one form to another, with most being designed for participants to enjoy the game in a safe environment. It is also possible to play in forests or in natural areas.
