Imagine slipping into the shoes of a medieval knight, a cunning spy, or a powerful but corrupt politician… and then bringing that character to life. This is the world of Live Action Role-Playing (LARP), where fantasy meets reality in the most immersive ways imaginable.
We recently had the opportunity to dive into this unique and exhilarating experience as part of the “Edularp Alembic” training course in Poland, and what started as mere curiosity for some of us quickly evolved into an unforgettable adventure. From crafting a dynamic persona to navigating a world brimming with challenges and unexpected twists, each moment of the journey was a lesson in creativity, collaboration, and pure imagination.
Below, we will try to share a little bit of what we’ve experienced and felt during exploration of LARP (where anything—and everything—was possible, by the way! 😀).
“This project helped me understand gamification better and I felt a sort of revitalization over the week. I have always been interested in larp, but never got the chance to try it before joining the project. Now after the project has ended I can’t wait to share the knowledge with my peers and colleagues and I am already organizing a game in Tartu. I hope to use the methods and games we learnt more and thanks to that project I have re-found my motivation with youth work.” —Nora Roosimölder
“I found my LARP experience to be both engaging and enlightening, offering a unique opportunity to learn through direct involvement and creativity. The real challenge, however, was navigating the invisible boundaries that are crucial in creating a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. In LARP, being aware of these unspoken limits and respecting them is essential, and it took careful attention to ensure that all participants felt at ease. While it added complexity to the experience, it also deepened my understanding of the importance of empathy and communication in collaborative storytelling.
Beyond the immersive gameplay, I was also surprised by the depth of theory behind LARP. I hadn’t realized just how academically and scientifically backed this method is. It’s not just about pretending to be someone else; LARP is grounded in psychological, sociological, and even pedagogical principles. Learning about the research and theory behind LARP gave me a new appreciation for its potential as a tool for education, personal growth, and social connection. It was fascinating to see how something so playful and creative can have such a strong academic foundation.” —Gasim
“Joining the project focused on LARP game creation was an eye-opening experience for me. It combined the exploration of emotions, feelings, and complex topics through interactive activities, which was a refreshing change from traditional lectures or reading. The days in this training course were filled with energy, as we developed and enhanced our skills in critical thinking and analysis.
The team was fantastic — we quickly bonded and accepted the challenge of completing a full game in just 48 hours. It was incredible to see everyone bring their unique ideas to the table, making the collaboration both intense and rewarding. I am deeply thankful to all the organizers and look forward to participating in future projects together.” —Maryna Zhyrna
Reflecting on our time in the world of LARP, we’re left with a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling, collaboration, and personal growth. What began as a fun and creative challenge quickly became a transformative experience that expanded our understanding of human interaction and imagination.
Whether through role-play, problem-solving, or simply learning to respect boundaries, LARP proved to be an incredibly rewarding journey. It’s more than just a game—it’s a dynamic, multi-faceted method that taps into our shared creativity, empathy, and curiosity. Inspired by this experience, we’re more motivated than ever to organize further events using LARP-based games, knowing that they’re not just any game but also effective educational learning and development methodology.