Live Action Role-Playing (LARPing) and Video Games

In honor of National Video Game Day, September 12, the Brehm Center asked Dr. Kiel McFarland to share about his research on LARPing and video games in general. Dr. Kiel is a recent graduate of Fuller Seminary’s School of Psychology, and is currently enrolled in Fuller’s CATS program to study theology and the arts. He brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the questions about gaming and why thoughtful Christians should care about these topics. 

A Critical Examination of Surrogate Spirituality, Community, and Therapeutic Encounters in Gaming.

In the realm of Live Action Role-Playing (LARPing) and video games, individuals actively participate in collective storytelling, adopting characters, crafting costumes, and engaging in rule-based interactions.

This immersive experience creates a unique space where play, community, and even surrogate spiritual encounters intersect. This article delves into the theological and psychological dimensions of LARPing and gaming, drawing upon Dr. Kiel McFarland's research, to explore how these activities can provide surrogate spirituality, foster community, and offer therapeutic encounters.

Surrogate Spirituality in LARPing and Gaming:

LARPs and video games, particularly those with open-world narratives, enable players to explore religious themes and engage with spiritual content. This raises questions about the motivations behind such choices. Some players may utilize these experiences as a form of "play spirituality," engaging with religious concepts without subscribing to any particular belief system. However, the motivations can be far more complex and varied.

Interviews with LARP participants reveal a diverse range of motivations for engaging with religious themes in-game. One transgender Jewish player, for example, adopted the persona of a fantasy Catholic priest to grapple with questions of faith and institutional accountability. Another player, a neopagan, found that playing a druid aligned with her real-life spiritual beliefs, providing an additional avenue for spiritual expression. Others used their in-game religious experiences to process real-life religious trauma or to embody virtues they longed for in the real world.

These examples highlight the potential for LARPing and gaming to serve as a space for exploring and reconciling spirituality through play. This aligns with the understanding of play as a fundamental mode of learning across various species. While for some, the game remains merely a game, for others, the emotional depth of the narrative fosters transformative learning experiences.

The preference for exploring spiritual themes within a game, rather than in real life, might be attributed to several factors. The emotional distance created by the game environment allows for a safe exploration of potentially sensitive topics. Additionally, for individuals who have experienced religious trauma, the game world offers a controlled space where they can re-engage with spirituality without the perceived risks associated with real-life religious institutions.

Community Building in LARPing and Gaming:

LARPing and gaming communities often transcend the boundaries of the game itself, fostering genuine friendships and support networks. The collaborative nature of these activities encourages social interaction, problem-solving, and shared experiences. Even in seemingly solo gaming experiences, online communities and forums provide opportunities for connection and discussion.

The structured rhythms of LARP events, mirroring liturgical calendars, further contribute to a sense of community and shared purpose. Participants express a deep sense of belonging and mutual support, extending beyond the game world to encompass real-life challenges and celebrations.

Therapeutic Encounters in LARPing and Gaming:

Many individuals report utilizing LARPing and gaming as a form of therapeutic engagement. The ability to overcome challenges, rewrite narratives, and confront symbolic representations of trauma within the game world can offer a sense of empowerment and catharsis. However, it is crucial to recognize that these experiences, while potentially therapeutic, are not a substitute for professional mental health support.

The emotional impact of in-game events, such as answered prayers or the defeat of oppressive figures, can be profoundly meaningful for players. These experiences may offer a sense of agency and hope, particularly for those who have experienced powerlessness or injustice in their lives. However, the potential for these experiences to become a substitute for addressing real-life challenges warrants careful consideration.

Conclusion:

The intersection of play, spirituality, community, and therapeutic encounters in LARPing and gaming presents a complex and multifaceted landscape. These activities offer opportunities for exploration, connection, and personal growth, but also raise questions about the potential for escapism and the blurring of boundaries between the game world and real life.

The Christian church, as Dr. McFarland suggests, should engage thoughtfully with these phenomena, recognizing the ways in which gaming communities may be fulfilling needs that traditional religious institutions are failing to address. Rather than dismissing or demonizing these activities, it is imperative to understand the underlying motivations and seek to create spaces where individuals can find genuine spiritual connection, community, and healing.

Gamers, too, are encouraged to reflect critically on their motivations and experiences within these communities. Continued research into the psychological and spiritual dimensions of LARPing and gaming is essential to fostering a deeper understanding of these complex and evolving forms of human interaction.

Ultimately, the exploration of surrogate spirituality, community, and therapeutic encounters in LARPing and gaming invites us to grapple with fundamental questions about the human condition. These activities, at their best, offer opportunities for creativity, connection, and meaning-making. However, they also challenge us to confront the complexities of our spiritual longings, our need for community, and our ongoing quest for healing and wholeness.

Final Thought: How do you think video games offer a help in a spiritual lives? How do they distract?