Editing Bob Gurnsey (section)

== National Survival Game ==

=== Establishment ===

Following the first game, Gurnsey worked with Gaines and Noel to commercialise the activity.

The resulting business became known as [[National Survival Game]] (NSG).

The company developed equipment packages, rules and arrangements for establishing commercial playing fields.

Historical accounts generally date its establishment to late 1981.[3][7]

=== Early financing ===

A historical account based on early paintball reporting states that Hayes Noel provided approximately $20,000 in financial backing.

Gurnsey received a weekly payment while developing the business.

Charles Gaines contributed to publicity and promotion.[3]

These figures originate from retrospective accounts and should be understood in that context.

=== Starter kits ===

National Survival Game marketed equipment packages that allowed customers to organise their own games.

Early packages included:

* Nel-Spot marking pistol
* Paintballs
* Protective goggles
* Compass
* Game rules
* Other accessories

The packages helped standardise the activity and made it possible for customers to organise games without developing their own equipment and rules.

=== Nelson Paint Company ===

Gurnsey negotiated a distribution arrangement with the [[Nelson Paint Company]].

The agreement concerned the commercial sale of marking equipment and paintballs for recreational use.

The arrangement provided National Survival Game with access to the equipment used in the first organised game.

=== Commercialisation ===

National Survival Game helped establish several practices that became important to the paintball industry.

These included selling complete equipment packages, licensing field operations and developing a recognisable commercial identity for the activity.