What is larp?
Larp stands for live action roleplaying. Larp is an embodied type of game (meaning you play with your actual body and not necessarily an avatar) where people create and act out roles. There are many types of larp, and it isn’t just swinging foam swords…though it is swinging foam swords sometimes (it’s fun!). There are serious larps, historical larps, educational larps… If you can dream it, it exists.
Larp to *me* is a method of active imaginary play that allows a person to experience something outside their own reality. Yes, you can quote me.
If you’d like to learn more about Larp in the Nordic style, you can start here.
Do Black People Larp?
Yes! Black people do larp, and are larp runners, writers, and everything in between. However, it’s no secret that larp has an accessibility problem. This has recently begun to change as people argue for change and write their own stories.
What are some good larps and larp festivals?
There are a lot! Below are some links that can help you in your search.
Avalon Larp Collective- An Inclusive larp collective with a great reputation for engaging events and a player focused style. They produce Blockbuster larps.
Golden Cobra Challenge- The Golden Cobra Challenge is an annual short form larp contest that keeps a database of hundred of entries. I have judged the competition and really believe that this a great place to check out new and interesting larps all over the world.
Make a Scene- Located in the United States Twin City Area Make a Scene runs a scenario festival every year with innovative and inclusive themes.
The Smoke- Located in London, The Smoke holds workshops, scenarios, and short form games and a collaborative and welcoming atmosphere.
Intercon– Intercon is a larp convention that has been running for over 20 years in New England. They have a unique way of larping, and are very newcomer friendly.
Big Bad Con– This convention is generally held in October every year on the west coast of the United States, and is a great place to begin a foray into gaming.
Knutpunkt/Knudepunkt/Knutepunkt/Solmukhota- More academically minded, this conference is held in rotating places in Northern Europe (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland). Known for lots of theory and jubilant atmosphere, go if you want to learn about the fundamentals of larp and engage in workshops and talks with the world’s leading Nordic larp theorists.
Where can I learn about this stuff?
Larp isn’t defined by any one thing. That’s what we can all agree on. I’d like to start here. Enjoy searching!
If you’d like to know more about designing larps I would start here. If you’d like to know more about playing larps, I’d start here.