Believe it or not when I say that “communication is key for your LARP enjoyment” I’m not just talking about Damage Calls.
In the recent post from Amber at Mortalis Games she tackles the topic of why you, as a participant in a live action role playing game, need to be open and communicate.
I don’t mean to sound like Dr. Phil here but facts are facts – the only way to influence change in a person, place or environment is to voice your opinion. I’d like to think that I don’t have to point out that you should voice that opinion in a clear and respectful way, but I’m going to mention it anyway.
I have seen throwing a tantrum, whining the loudest, and all in all becoming the squeaky wheel work in more LARP scenarios than I would like to admit and I think that there is a much more honest and dignified way of doing things.
Before I prompt you to go check out Amber’s recent post let me just speak to one specific topic about communication in a LARP.
Players need to provide feedback about the game that they play to the game facilitator. I know this isn’t always easy because sometimes that feedback is negative and no one wants the game facilitator to feel unappreciated (and if you do then you need to stop playing – now).
But the simple truth is that your game facilitator can’t change the game to be more enjoyable for you if they don’t know what you like and/or bothering you. It really is that simple.
Personally I find that the best way to provide feedback is in written form. The very act of putting your thoughts to paper/email force you to think about what you are going to say. This can help you check the tone and verify the facts within your message.
Writing it down also forces you to take a moment and reflect on what you want to talk about. If you are upset then this provides time for you to calm down and look at the situation more rationally. If you are happy about the situation then the moment that it takes to think about what you want to express will probably only make you happier about it and may even remind you of some details that you had forgotten.
And with that I urge you to check Amber’s latest insight into LARP The Importance of Communication. There are a lot of great gems there as to why you shouldn’t be afraid to make the game better by using your voice.
Cheers,
Kevin Tjia
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