The reason it has been dismissed by many as a non-sport and considered a mere hobby is because of the reality that paintball started as an activity usually played during corporate gatherings. As a side activity of most company gatherings, paintball served as a pastime for corporate officials who needed to relax after tough corporate duels. However, those who have tried playing paintball have been stuck by and hooked on the game.
Sababu ambayo imekataliwa na wengi kuwa si ya mchezo na kuchukuliwa kuwa jambo la kawaida tu ni kwa sababu ya ukweli kwamba mpira wa rangi ulianza kama shughuli ambayo kawaida huchezwa wakati wa mikusanyiko ya kampuni. Kama shughuli ya kando ya mikusanyiko mingi ya kampuni, mpira wa rangi ulitumika kama burudani kwa maafisa wa shirika ambao walihitaji kupumzika baada ya pambano kali la kampuni. Walakini, wale ambao wamejaribu kucheza mpira wa rangi wamekwama na kushikamana na mchezo.