Just a Game

[jamesq]

So this is a thing:



...And it got me to thinking, why is there such a vehement opposition to the idea that the SCA is a LARP?

Google defines Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) as "a type of interactive role-playing game in which the participants portray characters through physical action, often in costume and with props." On that criteria alone it should qualify.

Here's how the SCA defines itself: "The Society for Creative Anachronism is an international living history group with the aim of studying and recreating mainly Medieval European cultures and their histories before the 17th century."

One could argue that based on the studying/recreating (and educating) parts of the SCA it's not a LARP. I would say that it's not just a LARP. But LARPing is still a big big component. Probably it's biggest component since the only thing you have to do to participate is make an attempt at dressing up.

The real problem, I think, is that LARPing is considered kid stuff. LARPing is a game, and the stuff we do in the SCA is nothing so frivolous as a game. Except it totally is - a game that is, not the frivolous part. Before the torches and pitch forks come out, here are some other things that are just a game.

So something can be a game, and it can be more than just a game simply by the level of commitment to it. In my mind an SCA Knight and a black belt are of a kind with each other. We don't look at a professional boxer and say "it's just a game."

I look at the level of commitment - just among the people I know - and it's a little awe inspiring. In fact, it's often kept me from trying things because I can see how many year of effort to hone those skills are. Hell, someone I have a tough time contemplating the level of effort that sometimes goes into a single costume. I appreciate it - from far far away.

To my fellow SCAdians, who are lamenting the idea that the SCA is a LARP, I ask to please don't. Of course it's a LARP, and more than a LARP, and there's nothing wrong with that. And you know, it's kind of insulting to LARPers, who might have the same level of commitment to their geek as you do to yours.

Comments

[minyata.livejournal.com]

I disagree that there is any LARPing happening in the SCA. Having been in, and run LARP's for many years, the SCA is missing a very key component of a LARP... the story. There is no plot, no story, no storytellers, etc.

Events aren't an "interactive role-play game". In fact, the only things I see the SCA and LARPing having in common are the costumes and props.

[jamesq]

There is no predefined story I'll grant you, but there are stories nonetheless. Every reign, every elevation to a peerage, every acceptance to a household is a piece of someone's story. You yourself have done quite a bit of persona development, and what is that if not storytelling?

[haasiophis.livejournal.com]

When I go out to the SCA I don't act like a character despite possibly being dressed like one. I'm me. In a period outfit. Nor do I throw beanbag spells at people or hit them with a boffer. (And when the SCA fighters do it - that is legitimate sport with big assed sticks, I don't know how much so LARP fighting is actually sport vs live RP based on stats etc.)

It just isn't the same thing while having some similarities. We put on a show sometimes, we create an ambience when we can, but not more than that generally. And the connotations are very different to them, and the public perception. Historical recreation and education group sounds a lot different to people than live action role playing ("Oh, like from that movie...?" is the most irritating question...)

[minyata.livejournal.com]

I don't see that as storytelling anymore then I see getting a new job, having a baby, etc in my real life as story telling.

In a LARP, I do things to get experience points, I then spend experience to better my character. In the SCA, the only way I can gain a new skill is to actually, physically/mentally learn it. In a LARP, I could spend XP to get a smithing skill, call myself a blacksmith, and pretend to make metal goods. In the SCA, if I want to be a blacksmith, I need to learn how work metals with a forge and anvil.

[(Anonymous)]

Hey its Ryan from Van.

I'm going to have to agree with you man. SCA is LARP but its not a game as the two others have mention. Its just an exercise in role-playing. I would say its pretty cut and dry.
I have know LARPers that play but don't use XP, abilities or even a plot. To them its not a game its just hangin out doing something different. Sure they may use a mechanic to deal with a confrontation that is physical but the point is to have fun and play. All evidence suggests this is the same with the SCA. There are some exceptions inside the SCA though. You have people crafting for real and that falls into hobby and trade. Some people practice fighting and only go for the fighting; that;s a skills thing. I'm not as well versed in the rest of the SCA but I know that politics exists in both the SCA and LARP. Also the Service group is more like a Community Group or Church aspect. Even now I am beginning to think its more like Second Life with LARP.

Ah well its early and I haven't eaten all my wheaties so my brain is probably taking a trip.
Good morning.