Airsoft, hard-nosed war game getting popular in Russia

Airsoft (a.k.a. strikeball, especially in Russia) is an up-and-coming paramilitary game, rapidly gaining in popularity.

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Evgeny Alekseev

Airsoft (a.k.a. strikeball, especially in Russia) is an up-and-coming paramilitary game, rapidly gaining in popularity.

Evgeny Alekseev

Games feature two or more teams. The rules vary from country to country and even game to game.

Evgeny Alekseev

It differs from paintball by the use of exact replicas of real weapons (which fire 6-mm plastic balls) and ammunition.

Evgeny Alekseev

Fair play is demanded at all times, and no arguments between players are permitted. Players who get along with each other during the game are the last to drop out.

Evgeny Alekseev

Honesty is the cornerstone of airsoft, since compliance with the rules (unlike in paintball) rests with the players themselves. That means in practice that an "injured" player should independently recognize that he has been hit, immediately put on a clearly visible red armband, and make his way back to base or another area designated according to the scenario.

Evgeny Alekseev

One game can last from several hours to several days (depending on the terrain, the game scenario, and the number of players).

Evgeny Alekseev

The injury risk level of airsoft is defined by the nature of the terrain (usually broken country or a building) and the experience of the players. Veteran players try to reconnoiter the area for dangerous places. Nevertheless, a first-aid kit is strongly recommended, and players with medical skills are an asset.

Evgeny Alekseev

The sport's primary events are the annual Airsoft Season Opening and Closing, as well as several themed games. These games feature players from all across the country and even abroad. The total number of participants can reach several thousand. To set the scene for large confrontations, military hardware can be deployed: trucks, aqua transport, tanks, planes.

Evgeny Alekseev

The forefather of the sport is Japanese firm Daisy, which was the first to make toy firearms for the office. It was a huge success in Japan. Commerce thrived, and production of the toys began in China.

Evgeny Alekseev

In Russia, the history of airsoft generally dates back to 1997. Every year, the forests around Moscow host airsoft battles (around 10 per year/season).

Evgeny Alekseev

As of the start of 2013, Moscow is home to two large unofficial organizations: the Strikeball Association and the Council of Commanders.

Evgeny Alekseev

In St Petersburg, as of fall 2012, there are several airsoft organizations: the St Petersburg Strikeball Association (68 teams), the Society of Strikeball Teams (21 teams), and others. In total, there are more than 150 teams in St Petersburg.

Evgeny Alekseev

Airsoft in Russia is not a professional sport, so all weapons and equipment the players must buy themselves.

Evgeny Alekseev

Airsoft guns with muzzle energy below 3 joules (muzzle velocity 173.2 m/s for 0.20 g projectiles) are legal, not considered weapons and do not require any permission in Russia.