LARP Services and Products 1: Events
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NOTE: The author of this article is not a lawyer or accountant. This article is intended as basic information and should not be considered legal or financial information. Please consult a legal or financial advisor before engaging in forming a business such as a LARP.
LARP Services and Products articles are going to focus on LARP as a business. I feel that this requires a basic understanding of the LARP business model before we get into the main topic.
Most LARP and LARP games are run as businesses. The only LARPs that are not businesses are privately run LARPs for fun where no money changes hands OR money only changes hands to pay for the site. A LARP business, regardless of tax status (Non-profit, LLC, etc.), must charge for services and goods in order to pay for their costs. These costs generally include site costs, liability insurance, prop costs, transportation, and more. The price that a LARP charges for a service or good is generally based on their budget to account for these costs.
With that out of the way, lets look at the main revenue source for a LARP business; Events
What is a LARP Event
A LARP event is a service provided by a LARP business for a fee. The LARP rents or owns a site, creates a story, and produces an event for the players to take part in. Events may be as short as a few hours or as long as a few days. The writing and production of these events can vary greatly. Styles of events include timeline, railroad, player driven, cinematic, reactionary, and many more (I can elaborate if there is interest). Regardless of the style, the services is the story and ability to interact with it. This experience is similar to that of a movie, play, concert, or other entertainment for money in that paying the cost does not guarantee that the participant will enjoy the service.
As its primary source of income, the LARP business should attempt to provide a positive and memorable experience for its attendees to entice them to return. If a participant does not feel that there is enough value for the cost, they will most likely not return.
A number of variables can have an effect on player enjoyment. The LARP business can control some of these items, but not all. These items include, but are not limited to the following.
Production value - The props and visual effects provided by the LARP
Logistics - The paperwork, organization, and professionalism of the LARP
Safety - The policies in places, review of the site, and rules in place to protect players (both physical and mental)
Community - The friendliness and availability of players and LARP staff
Story - The quality of writing and ability for an attendee to become immersed
Engagement - The ownership the attendee feels regarding their character, how much impact they may have on the story, feeling involved and included
Rules - How well the rules are written, how easy they are to interpret, how well versed the LARP staff are with the rules, and if they are fairly implemented
Site - Is the location immersive, safe, and enjoyable for the style of game being run as well as distance and accommodations based on attendee preferences
Weather - How is poor weather handled by the LARP including alternative locations, styles of play, or cancelation policy
Accessibility - Are their accommodations for attendees with disabilities or limitations
Staff - Are staff members available, knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable
Health - Attendee personal health (physical and mental, including outside stressors) or amenities available to ensure personal health is maintained
Additional Offerings - On site or near by offerings for food, vehicle repair, medical need, and basic supplies