Airsoft A History

When Did Airsoft Start?

Airsoft is a modern sport that combines elements of traditional shooting and tactical games in order to provide an exciting and entertaining challenge for participants. From its humble beginnings as a form of recreational shooting practice in Japan, Airsoft has become a worldwide phenomenon. In this article, we will explore when Airsoft formal game play first began and how it has evolved over the years.

Airsoft guns were originally created in the 1970s in Japan in the pursuit of a realistic gun replica to be used for shooting practice. The gun pellets used for shooting were made out of plastic, with 6 mm spherical plastic BBs as the ammunition. This recreational shooting was popular amongst Japanese shooters, and its popularity spread across Asia during the 1970s and 1980s.

The Airsoft gun system quickly gained traction amongst gun enthusiasts and hobbyists and soon had applications beyond recreational shooting. Proponents of Airsoft-based tactical games soon made use of the airsoft gun system to create realistic and engaging games. As the games evolved, so too did the Airsoft game system. Shooter-activated objectives, obstacles, and missions were added to the game, making it more competitive and immersive.

By the late 1990s, Airsoft had spread beyond Japan and achieved worldwide recognition. In 1998, the National Airsoft Association was formed in the United States, and in the same year, the Airsoft Association of Europe was similarly formed a few years later. This established a standard for Airsoft tournaments and gameplay, and facilitated the spread of competitive Airsoft on a global scale.

Today there are many different variations of Airsoft, ranging from close quarters engagements to long-range engagements. The sport has been adapted to different terrain, such as woods, cityscapes, and indoor arenas, giving players a wide range of options for game play.

In the 2000s, Airsoft became a more competitive sport and a platform for esports with guns ranging from starter sets to advanced versions. Professional competitive leagues, tournaments, and online streaming services all opened up opportunities for Airsoft to be experienced at a much higher level.

Airsoft has also evolved into a unique culture that has become intertwined in the different aspects of the sport. Airsoft guns, apparel, and accessories continue to find their way to the market, all the while inspiring creative opinions and dialogue.

Airsoft has grown from its humble beginnings in Japan to become a popular sport worldwide. It has started to combine with esports, leading to the growth of professional competitive leagues and a dedicated Airsoft culture. The Airsoft system has also evolved to include different types of game play and different terrain options, making Airsoft a modern sport with great longevity and potential to grow.

References:

Airsoft International. (2020, April 24). A Brief History Of Airsoft. Retrieved from https://airsoftinternational.com/a-brief-history-of-airsoft/

National Airsoft Association. (2020, April 24). About NAA. Retrieved from https://naa-airsoft.org/about/

The scope of Airsoft. (2017, May 17). Retrieved from https://www.airsoftrifle.com/the-scope-of-airsoft/