Editing Invasion of Normandy (section)

== History ==

Invasion of Normandy was established by Skirmish Paintball in Pennsylvania and developed into a major fixture of the American scenario paintball calendar.

The event was documented by 2006, when photographer Jeff Swaim photographed participants completing objectives at Skirmish USA on 16 July.[3]

By the early 2010s, Invasion of Normandy was regularly attracting approximately 4,000 players. A 2012 profile published by [[GI Sportz]] described the event as a major annual gathering at Skirmish, involving more than 4,000 participants.[4]

The event continued throughout the 2010s, with the 2018 and 2019 editions advertised as multi-day gatherings incorporating two days of scenario competition, camping and a paintball industry trade show.[5]

=== 2015 event ===

''Paintball Media'' described the 2015 edition as involving nearly 4,000 players. Its report recorded participants from across the United States, Canada and Russia, alongside organised scenario teams and a paintball equipment trade show.[11]

The game provided 13 hours of play, including ten hours on Saturday from midday until 10 pm. The opening assault used simulated beaches named Sword, Juno, Gold and Omaha. Points were awarded for missions, bases and props, with designated prop officials recording possession and scores.[11]

A separate French contingent of 63 players had its own missions and could sell recovered props or provide support to either principal force in exchange for game currency. The report described German forces obtaining French support, including anti-tank players, during Saturday's fighting.[11]

German forces won the event 109–62. Although the Allies scored more points during Sunday's play, they did not overcome the German lead established on Saturday.[11]

=== 2020 cancellation ===

The July 2020 edition was cancelled because of restrictions on large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Skirmish announced that Pennsylvania's 250-person gathering restriction prevented the event from proceeding. Registrations could be transferred to the following year's event or refunded.[6]

Invasion of Normandy returned in July 2021.[7]

=== 20th anniversary ===

Skirmish advertised the 8–10 July 2022 event as its 20th anniversary edition.[8]

Contemporary reporting by Chris Reber in the ''Times News'' documented more than 4,000 participants at the event. The battle began with an Allied beach assault against German defensive positions and continued into Saturday night before resuming on Sunday.[2]

The event remained active in 2026, with that year's edition taking place from 10 to 12 July.[9]