Overview: Research and Implementation Specifics
Unit 5 Overview
In Unit 5, we will discuss specifics of different approaches to role-playing game research, as well as implementing role-playing games for educational purposes. We will discuss one of the most popular methods in role-playing game studies, participant-observation ethnography, as well as other approaches to research. We will specifically focus on ways to gather Effects Studies, particularly with regard to the potential benefits of role-playing games. We will consider the act of documentation in terms of research and how it might affect participants.
In terms of implementation, we will look at several videos and articles with recommendations, including information on “gamemastering,” or facilitation. We will also read an in-depth case study of larp implementation gone wrong.
In this Unit, we will cover:
- Participant-observation ethnography
- Effects/Benefits Research
- Documentation in Research
- Documentation in Implementation
- Best practices for implementation design
- Gamemastering
- A implementation case study
* * *
Note: Some of the materials below may not be available outside of this course. We are providing them as part of your education within this course. Do not distribute PDFs.
Required materials:
Videos:
- Bowman, Sarah Lynne. 2020. “Researching Analog Role-playing Games: Difficulties and Approaches.” Interacting MindsAU, Dec. 11.
- Waern, Annika. 2019. “How to Gather Feedback from Players.” In Larp Design: Creating Role-play Experiences, edited by Johanna Koljonen, Jaakko Stenros, Anne Serup Grove, Aina D. Skjønsfjell and Elin Nilsen, 373-388. Copenhagen, Denmark: Landsforeningen Bifrost.
- Westborg, Josefin. 2023. “Game Design: Implementation.” Transformative Play Initiative. YouTube, January 26.
Readings:
- Pohjola, Mike. 2021. “Dragonbane Memories.” Nordiclarp.org, August 18.
- Content Advisory on “Dragonbane Memories”:Statutory rape, sexual abuse, organizer negligence, manipulation. If you need an alternative assignment, please let the instructors know.