LARPing as a tool for emotional survival and nostalgia
- LARPing emerged in the 1970s as a continuation of tabletop games.
- The game is viewed as a simulacrum and a form of nostalgia.
- It helps reduce anxiety, depression, and develop empathy.
- In Ukraine, its popularity is growing, and new communities are being formed.
LARPing, or Live Action Role Playing, appeared in the late 1970s as a natural continuation of tabletop role-playing games. Since then, it has evolved from a niche hobby to a mass cultural phenomenon, gaining new momentum in recent years.
Simulacrum and nostalgia
Tanya Melentyeva and Slava Gomenyuk note that LARPing can be seen as a simulacrum in the sense of Jean Baudrillard – a copy not tied to the original, but creating its own reality. For many participants, the game becomes a way to return to childhood memories, experience nostalgia, while being in a fully constructed world.
This 'second reality' allows people to temporarily escape from everyday problems by immersing themselves in alternative scenarios. Escapism, which is often criticized, serves as an adaptive mechanism in this case, helping to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
The social aspect of larp also plays an important role. Participants interact in a live, often physical form, which fosters the strengthening of interpersonal connections, the development of communication skills, and collaborative problem-solving. Such meetings often become a platform for sharing experiences and support.
Particular interest is aroused by the so-called 'Batman effects' – a psychological phenomenon in which a person, taking on the role of a fictional character, enhances their cognitive functions and motivation. Research shows that identification with a hero can boost self-confidence and stimulate creative thinking.
From a mental health perspective, larping demonstrates the potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Immersing oneself in a role allows for safely experiencing emotions, processing them in a controlled environment, and thereby increasing emotional flexibility. Additionally, the game fosters the development of empathy, as participants learn to see the world through the eyes of other characters.
In recent years, interest in larping has been growing in Ukraine: new groups are emerging, festivals and workshops are being organized, and online communities are being created to discuss rules and scenarios. This growth is linked to people's desire to find new forms of communication after the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, as well as the search for alternative ways of self-expression in the context of an ongoing conflict.
Thus, larping is a multifaceted tool: it is simultaneously a cultural phenomenon, a means of emotional coping, and a platform for personal growth. With the right approach, the game can become an effective way to combat stress while increasing levels of empathy and social engagement.
Source: N+1
