PaintballX3 Magazine January 2014 | Page 40

40 Continued... What do you think the next paintball technology, advancement or change in paintball will be? Dennis Tippmann Jr (Tippmann Sports)): We see three major trends that will occur in the industry in 2014: An expanded interest in magfed, the resurgence of 50 caliber, and the expanded globalization of the sport of paintball. Obviously, there is increasing interest in the magfed category. We know many players have been hoping that Tippmann will enter into the category beyond the TiPX pistol which continues to be wildly popular. We see the opportunity to create a better magfed marker and a better magfed experience that will appeal to a much wider audience of players. We plan to develop the magfed category to be bigger and more exciting for players and fields. The 50 caliber question has been out there for a long time but with the GI acquisition of Tippmann, we see synergies that can support the growth of this category that will help fields expand their player base. The 50 caliber growth is also something that will fuel the international markets as paintball continues to grow on a worldwide basis. We have many other products and projects in the works but unfortunately cannot discuss these endeavors. I do, however, want to thank all our fans for their support over the years and look forward to a strong 2014. Eric Engler (Engler Custom Paintball Guns): That is an easy one for me to answer, magazine-fed markers. I see this platform continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Players are picking up pistols, and long-guns and finding that they are having a lot more fun adding some video game realism to their play. They are also realizing that picking their shots to eliminate players can be a lot more satisfying than the “spray and pray” paintball we have se en in the last few years. Adam Gardner (GOG): There is a new company called Paintball Market- ing that may very well change the industry. We are really excited to be working with this company and feel that it will re-invigorate the player base. If more people are playing our sport then we are all better off. january 2014 dECEMBER 2013