In recent conversations, one question keeps popping up: why is it so difficult to attract new players to LARPs, and why are so many existing players leaving? After years of involvement in various games, I can tell you the number one reason without hesitation—communication.
Poor communication is an issue that plagues many LARP communities, and if it’s not addressed, it can quickly spiral into a bigger problem. In this post, I’ll share some of my own experiences with communication failures in LARP and offer some suggestions on how we can do better as a community.
The Problem with Delayed Responses
One of the biggest communication failures I’ve seen is the lack of timely responses. I’ve had multiple terrible experiences where it took 2 to 3 weeks for a simple message to be answered. In a community as immersive and interactive as LARP, waiting that long for a response makes it feel like the organizers don’t care about the players’ input or concerns.
Imagine if you brought up a serious issue affecting gameplay, and instead of receiving a prompt reply, you’re left hanging for weeks. By the time you get a response, the issue might have escalated, or worse, you’ve already checked out mentally. Players who feel ignored or disrespected are far more likely to leave the game entirely.
Honoring Commitments: Show Up or Shut Down
Setting up a meeting to discuss issues is a step in the right direction—but only if the game organizers actually show up. If you schedule a meeting with a player and then fail to show up, it sends a clear message: you don’t care. Whether intentional or not, failing to attend planned meetings or address issues at agreed-upon times shows a lack of respect for the player’s time and concerns.
When game leaders fail to follow through on promises or commitments, they demonstrate a lack of responsibility. This kind of behavior makes it impossible for players to trust the leadership, and trust is vital in maintaining a strong community.
Ignoring Problems Won’t Make Them Disappear
Another huge issue I’ve encountered is when games outright ignore the problems players bring up. In one case, I was told by the game that certain players didn’t exist, despite my clear and documented evidence to the contrary. And the worst part? I was one of those players! Imagine raising a concern and being told that your experience, and by extension, you as a person, don’t exist.
Health, safety, and the well-being of players are non-negotiable issues. If players are expressing concerns about these critical areas, they need to be addressed immediately. Sweeping them under the rug not only disrespects the individuals raising them but also creates a toxic environment that endangers the entire game.
Broken Promises Lead to Broken Communities
Communication doesn’t just mean talking; it means listening and acting on what’s discussed. If a concern is raised and talked about, it can’t just be forgotten or swept under the rug repeatedly. A pattern I’ve seen in many LARPs is organizers making promises to address an issue, only to fail to deliver time and time again.
For example, I’ve heard variations of the excuse: “Sorry, I didn’t have time to get to it; I’ll make it up to you at such and such a time.” When that time comes, nothing happens, and the excuse train continues. We all live busy lives, but we need to respect each other’s time and the effort players put into the game. Broken promises lead to broken trust, and broken trust leads to players quitting the game.
The Fix: How LARPs Can Improve Communication
The good news is that this problem is fixable. By prioritizing communication, LARP communities can become stronger, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Here are some steps that can help:
- Create Clear Communication Channels
- Whether it’s through a dedicated Discord server, email, or a forum, make sure that players know where and how to reach the game organizers. Keep these channels active and organized to prevent important messages from being lost.
- Set Response Time Expectations
- Establish clear guidelines for how long it will take to respond to player messages. If an issue will take longer to resolve, communicate that and keep the player updated regularly.
- Follow Through on Promises
- If you commit to addressing an issue, make sure it gets done. Even if the problem is complex or time-consuming, show the player that you are actively working on it. Consistency is key to building trust.
- Be Transparent
- If there’s an issue with the game, players will understand—if you tell them. Don’t hide problems or make false promises. Being honest about challenges and delays will earn you more respect than pretending everything is fine.
- Respect Players’ Time
- Players dedicate their time and energy to your game, so when they raise concerns, respect them by addressing those concerns in a timely and respectful manner. If players feel heard and valued, they’re far more likely to stay involved in the community.
Communication Is the Backbone of Any LARP
At its core, LARP is about community. And like any community, it thrives on open, respectful communication. If LARP organizers fail to communicate effectively with their players, the community will begin to fall apart. When players experience poor communication, especially when their concerns are ignored or forgotten, they are more likely to quit the game altogether.
So, to keep your LARP community healthy and growing, make communication a priority. Answer messages in a reasonable time frame, show up when you promise to, and above all, treat players’ concerns with the seriousness they deserve. By doing so, you’ll not only retain your current players but also attract new ones who see the game as a welcoming and well-run community.
