It wasn’t an assault on Danielsville that brought out over 100 people armed to the teeth, but rather the summer’s big scenario game hosted by Battlezone Paintball. “The Battle for Gotham,” a 24-hour scenario game kicked off June 19 with two armies, both aiming to come out on top as the Jokers took on the Riddlers.
Starting at noon, 150 players split into their respective teams to play across the 150 acre field at Battlezone Paintball. According to field owner and game organizer Kerry “Gunner” Dudley, the game would be split into 25 missions, with each mission entailing a different challenge for the teams.
“With this size of field we can run every kind of game that we want,” said Dudley.
Challenges included capture-the-flag style objectives, defend the base, take prisoners and others.
Notably, both teams had players that ranged in skill from beginner to professional.
“We have every type of player here,” said Dudley. “I’m sure there are the pros out there and some who this is their first day picking up a paintball gun. We have made is as even as possible for both sides.”
The game, “Battle for Gotham,” was based off a back-story created using characters from the popular DC comics Batman series.
According to Dudley, the back-story is that Gotham City has eroded into chaos as the two factions – Joker and Riddler – fight for control of the city.
The majority of players were already equipped with various style of equipment, but the field had rentals for those who didn’t. There were several styles of paintball guns ranging from those that were modeled to look like exact copies of military-grade hardware to overly customized rigs that fit the individual player’s style and method.
One player, Beau Davis, built his gun – modeled off a sniper rifle. Others mimicked M-16s, AK-47s and the MP-5 submachine gun. The player outfits were also as diverse. While different patterns of camouflage seemed to be prevalent, several players opted for short sleeves and lighter gear while others sported full battle gear including jackets, vests, packs and heavy pants. Despite the protection from the paintballs, the players also had to contend with the sticks and briars of running through the woods and heat.
With the temperature in the 90s, the field officials made a point to keep the players hydrated by providing water and Gatorade throughout the game. Dudley also had a few surprises in store for both teams. During the missions teams would be assisted by tanks and rockets. These inclusions as well as the layout of the bases and outposts on the field gave the scenario a distinct military feel that Dudley says was inspired by the many Army and police training facilities he has visited and trained on.
“My background with Army and police training lent towards coming up with the field,” he said. “I based the bases and layout off of things that I have seen and I think it makes it a better field.”
— For more information about the paintball facility, e-mail Dudley at bane1129@aol.com or visit the field’s website at www.battlezonepb.com.
