Larp Organisers' Guides

Community Larp discussion
#1

Some time ago the Auckland committee discussed the need for some guides for larp organisers.

I think it would be useful to produce guides to assist project organisers. The focus will be on the logistical aspects of running a larp project, as opposed to the creative aspects of developing a larp. While there is no one absolutely correct approach to larp dynamics, when it comes to the logistical side, there is a raft of best practices to emulate, as well as pitfalls to avoid.

I see two initial guides:

  • The Daygame Guide
  • The Weekend Game Guide

While there will be some overlap between the guides, I think each deals with a distinct challenge and would benefit from being a tome in its own right.

The guide development would benefit from gathering knowledge from experienced larp organisers so they will reflect the broadest range of expertise.

If you are an experienced larp organiser, and you wish to contribute, please PM me.

If you are not an experienced larp organiser, feel free to chip here with any comments, observations, questions or suggestions.

#2

I’m looking to keep the ball rolling on this idea that came out of the Auckland committee.

A backstage forum exists where some people started putting concepts together for a larp organiser’s guide(s) back when Mike first posted this. I’ve just started posting there again, with an initial draft for one section of the guide.

Any keen contributors & editors would be great to have involved, post or PM me or Mike and we’ll add you to the group. We already have GMs from Teonn, Multiverse, Mordavia and Star Wars involved, and it would be great to get more eyes on it.

EDIT: no need to PM me, see below for instructions for adding yourself to the group.

I think a guide like this could be a really valuable asset, especially for larp organisers who may be new to things like budgeting, marketing, and organising crew at a game.

I know there is also another project about to kick off to write “new larper” materials for Armageddon, but it would be nice to keep this one ticking along in the background too. We can walk and chew gum and same time, I’m sure.

#3

Thanks to the additional people who have joined up so far. Please note that this is very much in the formative stage, so don’t expect a lot of content to look over yet. Contributions of any sort are welcome.

The group is actually open, so you can join yourself by going to this page:

ucp.php?i=groups&mode=membership

Click the “Select” radio button to the right of the “Organiser Guide writers” group, scroll to the bottom, select “Join selected” form the dropdown and click Submit. You should then be a member of the group and able to see the forum.