Larp: Out Of The Box

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Larp: insights

Collection of essays on mittelpoint 2011

If you want a quick look, take a look from time to time. If you venture off the beaten path, you might find interesting ideas or methods that enrich the LARP hobby. In this collection of essays, real actors with different technical backgrounds and areas of expertise present their ideas and experiences in eight articles.

The range of topics covered ranges from considerations of narrative theory to comparisons between LARP and theater, and the link between live role-playing and museum education. Compiled and prepared for the 2011 Mittelpoint Live Role-Playing Conference.

From the content:

David N. Schmidt addresses this issue in his essay "Better to Steal Well than to Invent Badly?" with the question of whether and how materials, themes, and motifs from literature and film can be used in LARP. Rafael Bienia's article on plot writing also addresses literary considerations, in which the author makes suggestions on the theory and uses of narrative. Examples illustrate its use in LARP. Susanne Smieskol makes a scientific comparison between theater and LARP. Are live role-playing games the theater of tomorrow? Especially with regard to the common aspects of festival, play, space, and role-playing. Alexandra Khokhlova and Taisia ​​Kann report from the vastness of Russia 20 years (and over 10,000 games) later. They not only offer an overview of the development of the Russian LARP scene but also provide insights into Russian LARP culture and methods for creating live role-playing games there.

LARP in museums? Christian Kunz discusses the use of live role-playing elements in museum education and presents domestic and international experiences. In her article "Check Your Reality," Teena Leipold addresses the conscious reaction to simulated violence in LARP and the possible use of LARP as a method in adult education. Christina Kurzweil and Daniel Steinbach introduce another pedagogical approach, but one aimed at young people. In their article, "When the Mouse Becomes a Padded Sword," they combine live role-playing with computer game elements to show children and young people alternatives to virtual worlds.

And anyone who reflects on whether and how children and young people should be allowed to participate in a game truly intended for adults will find arguments for and against, but also advice and suggestions. Real dwarves! by Dennis Lange and Daniel Steinbach.

134 Pages, 14.8 x 21 cm

January 2011