The Wild World of TB!

So the Viper game at Sherwood Forest is finished and I must say that while it was kinda cool to see some of the enthusiasm for the role play aspect, it was just as dis-heartening to see the same ole issues that so many people have with role playing scenario games come right back to the forefront. But more on that later in another article. So let's get to it, shall we?

Seems that there are a lot of changes afoot in the industry and not all of them bode well for Scenario Paintball, to be sure. Don't want to sound alarmist, but with Viper's sponsorship by Draxxus, it makes you wonder what is going to happen now that Craig Miller and Tank have both departed from Pro-Caps what the deal will be. I can't think of anyone else who has played scenario or understands the game and it's mechanics like either of these two ot of what is left of the management at Pro-Caps. Seems the 'corporate' suits at Pro-Caps is winning the war of attrition, and I wonder what that means for paintball? I have even heard some rumors of them selling their encapsulation machined back to Accu-Caps and getting out of the paintball manufacturing business all together.

In other news, Smart Corps won the SPPL again, the only difference is this year they have 2 other divisions. Based on the sheer number of teams (or lack thereof) it went pretty much like I called it earlier last year. Smart Corps still took the top spot and the bitching and moaning is less only because 2 other teams were 'World Champions' in other leagues rather then really playing who has been the World Champs now for three years. Congrats to Sean and the rest of the team, to include Thunderstruck's Dave Cilio.

Still along the SPPL news, seems that there is yet again raging controversy over prize packages and teams not getting what they have won and very little to no reaction to them unless they take it to public forums. You can do a quick search on several of the major forums and see what I mean, or you can take my word for it. As for me, I am not surprised at anything that comes out of Special Ops or the SPPL. How many times do you have to keep seeing different teams getting the same shaft before you have to wonder?

Rumor mills abound about all sorts of things to be sure. Heard some rumors about several disgruntled employees and players not being happy with MPP games or their crown jewel Bear Claw. I guess the biggest thing I think is bizarre is the very nature that anything negative whether true or not, people refuse to believe. I would rather have people tell me that well they may not pay taxes, they may have illegal guns and they may not be 100% above board, but I will still support them, rather then, you are wrong and you are mad and what you say makes them look bad so lets lock every thread out there rather then have discussion. But that is the nature of forums these days.

I have heard rumors that CPX is doing away with their scenario events except for the Living Legends and will be doing a strict 8 hour big game format. Seems Wayne is pulling further back into Florida as he will not be involved at the LL game this year.

Heard a rumor that Tactical Paintball was closing or at least scaling back on their events and even their rec-ball days. Who knows what the truth is, with so much dissension going on out there. I suspect that there is some truth in some of the things I have heard and some of it is planted to see if they can get some press out TB because as you know, any press is good press. But I guess we shall see what happens out there in the wastelands of Gonzalez, Texas.

Also heard that JT beat out Pro-Caps for the D-Day event, seems maybe losing Craig Miller wasn't the smartest thing to do if you wanted to keep that money maker.

Viper will be in California next year at Giant Paintball in San Diego and then SC Village. Granted he will be doing the same damn game he did when he went out to Arizona or where ever the hell he went in 2004. Seems some people just love to see Weltman dressed in leather playing Mad Maxx. Then again, maybe this is THE year of recycled games on a lot of stages.

Heard Black Cat wasn't of the friendly type when it comes to sponsors and sponsored teams at his large (50 player) 48 hour (16 playabale hours) super game and wanted to lay all the blame at the feet of Smart Parts and other sponsors in the industry and their support of scenario teams. You know, if you want to have a game of Least Common Denominators, then just do the invitational game you mentioned before. But to bag on sponsors who give you free stuff to give players and the teams that they sponsor and that paid you FULL price and drove 8+ hours to play your field is really bad form. I am used to the silly ass comments and being told how I am bad for the sport, but teams who play hard and stand up shouldn't be taken to task and used as your silly ass example of how teams shouldn't take sponsorship. Maybe the only thing that kept them from walking off the field and fucking your game was that sponsorship, ever think of that?

I also got told that Wayne isn't bringing the Canadians down for this year's Grand Finale. Seems that with the rising costs and poor economy, Wayne and Co are bracing for a smaller Grand Finale then ususal. Guess we shall have to wait and see. I am going, but I am very wary now, since the Canadian regging crew was one of the saving graces for the event for me.

I heard another rumor, that the former owners of MXS are some of the driving creative force behind Lucky 7 Productions. I know most of you have never heard of them, but it is the Scenario Production company put on by Nate 'Red Dog' Brandon. Elves in the hood huh? Where have I see a game similar to that, hmmmmm?

Attendance is down at all the games this year it seems, but what does 2009 hold in store? Don't know, but it promises to have some ups and downs if the current trend seems to hold out.

More as I get it, of course.

Here it is, hot off the presses!

JAN 12 & 13: Viper's Birthday Bash at Viper Paintball in Mt Pleasant, TX

JAN 26 & 27: Captains’ Retreat at Viper Paintball in Mt Pleasant, TX

FEB 23 & 24: Viper RTS event at Viper Paintball in Mt Pleasant, TX

APR 12 & 13: T-Rev ‘08 at Viper Paintball in Mt Pleasant, TX

MAY 3 & 4: “Judge Dredd: Total War” at Sherwood Forest in La Porte, IN

MAY 24 & 25: VIP at Sherwood Forest in La Porte, IN

JUN 21 & 22: Scenario Boot Camp at Viper Paintball in Mt Pleasant, TX

JUL 12 & 13: Viper RTS event at Sherwood Forest in La Porte, IN

AUG 9 & 10: Viper Combat Challenge at Viper Paintball in Mt Pleasant, TX

AUG 30 & 31: Scenario at EMR's Tippmann Extravaganza in New Milford, PA

SEPT 13 & 14: RTS at Viper Paintball in Mt Pleasant, TX

OCT 11 & 12: “Deadlands: Fortress of Fear” at Sherwood Forest in La Porte, IN

NOV 8 & 9: Twilight Zone ’08 “Deadlands: Sweetrock” at Viper Paintball in Mt Pleasant, TX

For more information: www.viperpaintball.com