Editing National Survival Game (section)

=== Establishment ===

National Survival Game developed following the first recorded organised paintball game, held near Henniker, New Hampshire, on 27 June 1981.

The game was organised by Gaines, Noel and Gurnsey and involved twelve participants using [[Nelspot 007]] marking pistols to collect coloured flags while avoiding elimination.

The event was subsequently covered by national publications, including ''Sports Illustrated'', generating interest from people wishing to participate in similar games.[1][3]

The three organisers established National Survival Game, Inc. to commercialise the activity.

According to Gaines, the founders initially held equal ownership interests. Noel provided $20,000 in funding, Gurnsey managed daily operations and Gaines handled publicity.[1]

The company's first products were mail-order packages containing a Nelspot pistol, paintballs, protective goggles, a compass and printed rules.