Milsim vs. Roleplay?

"What is the difference between a Milsim and a Roleplay?" I get asked this question a lot. If you ask an airsofter, they will explain the deep connection the sport has to the military, the use of real-world props, simulated medics, realistic guns and in my opinion, the most important, the scenario. If you ask a paintballer he'll explain that it just means only half the players are wearing flaming bright jackets.

The Scenario -

This is the real meat of the issue, the scenario. Now, many things can be set up as the scenario, I've played in everything from fighting my way into Iraq to disable it's SCUD launchers, to having a firefight with the Mexican drug cartels while trying to defend a VIP, to something as absurd (and quite fun) as trying to rescue Jack Sparrow and Indiana Jones from Terrorists (yes, that was a game, all props to Mike Simpson for one of the most memorable games of my life). Or more recently, wandering about the irradiated remains of Pripyat dodging Monolith forces and roving Bandits while trying to sneak a lone artifact back into town. But what separates Milsims from Roleplays? The probability, and goal of the game outside of the specific scenario. A Milsim exists as a training exercise in our minds and bodies, with the goal of simulating a realistic military engagement, sure, the North Koreans might not attack China, but the hypothetical is what we're playing here.

Myself and a Russian soldier discussing a job offer.

So then what is Stalker? Are we playing a Milsim, or a Roleplay? I can proudly announce, that we're playing both! I made Stalker not because it seemed like an easy thing to run, or a profitable thing, but because it's the game I always wanted to play in. Something that mixed combat and diplomacy, sneaking, subterfuge, and backstabbing all into one massive game. It took me a few months, and more then one sleepless night working in Photoshop to get everything made, but the response from the community made it worthwhile. Because of that, I decided to host Stalker 2, or STALKER: The Road to Pripyat.

To create more immersion, I continued off of the prior story line, and each game, while independent, will build on the story and events of the previous ones. Because the Bandits won the last game, although there was a mix up in the orders, which was my fault, they start this game with some better gear, and extra starting money. I can't say for sure who will win this time, but I can guarantee it will be a darn good fight.

One of the Free Stalkers provides security during a meeting.

On a side note, with the classic American war film, Red Dawn, being remade, and coming out this year, I want to hear your guys' opinions on me running a Red Dawn scenario. I worked out a rough outline of the mission goals and rules, if there's enough interest, I'll type them up and post them on here.

Darr, signing out.