Editing History of paintball (section)

== Commercial expansion (1980s) ==

During the 1980s, paintball expanded beyond its original recreational setting.

Commercial operators established dedicated playing fields, while manufacturers developed markers, paintballs, protective equipment and accessories specifically for the activity.

The original pump-action equipment gradually evolved into more sophisticated mechanical designs.

Manufacturers including [[Pursuit Marketing Inc.]], [[Tippmann]], [[Brass Eagle]] and [[Worr Game Products]] became associated with the expanding equipment market.

Paintball also spread beyond the United States, with recreational facilities and organised competitions developing in Canada, Europe and other regions.

By the end of the decade, paintball included commercial recreational games, established competitive teams and an increasingly specialised equipment industry.