Why Larp?! A Synthesis Paper on Live Action Roleplay in Relation to HCI Research and Practice

2024-05-14

ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction

AI Summary

This paper addresses the lack of systematic integration and methodological consensus in human-computer interaction (HCI) research on live-action role-playing (LARP). It conducts the first cross-temporal and cross-contextual knowledge synthesis in this domain. Through bibliometric analysis, a Delphi study with domain experts, in-depth case studies of exemplary projects, and interdisciplinary conceptual mapping, the work constructs a comprehensive LARP-HCI research landscape. It identifies six application paradigms—including embodied interaction, gamified design, and futures-oriented speculation—and three recurrent methodological challenges concerning rigor, scalability, and ethical participation. The paper innovatively proposes a best-practice framework for LARP-HCI, specifying theoretical anchors and collaborative interfaces between academic research and design practice. It further advocates for bidirectional engagement mechanisms between HCI scholars and public LARP communities. The findings provide foundational knowledge integration and methodological scaffolding to advance participatory, contextually embedded, and embodied research paradigms in HCI.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Game Design — Virtual Humans, NPCs and Autonomous Characters
• Application Domains: Humanities & Computational Social Science
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Simulating Human Behavior

Application Category

• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Research challenges in human and human-AI computation
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics

Abstract

Live action roleplay (larp) has a wide range of applications, and can be relevant in relation to HCI. While there has been research about larp in relation to topics such as embodied interaction, playfulness and futuring published in HCI venues since the early 2000s, there is not yet a compilation of this knowledge. In this paper, we synthesise knowledge about larp and larp-adjacent work within the domain of HCI. We present a practitioner overview from an expert group of larp researchers, the results of a literature review, and highlight particular larp research exemplars which all work together to showcase the diverse set of ways that larp can be utilised in relation to HCI topics and research. This paper identifies the need for further discussions toward establishing best practices for utilising larp in relation to HCI research, as well as advocating for increased engagement with larps outside academia.

Problem

• Compiling existing research on larp in HCI
• Exploring larp's diverse applications in HCI
• Establishing best practices for larp in HCI

Innovation

• Synthesizes larp knowledge in HCI domain
• Presents expert overview and literature review
• Advocates best practices for larp in HCI