Powergaming

Powergaming means prioritising mechanical advantage over story and shared fun, and is widely seen as poor etiquette in larp communities.

Powergaming is a style of play focused on getting the strongest abilities, the most resources or the best mechanical result, rather than on the story or the people around you. In larp it can push other players out of scenes and cut across plot the organisers have prepared. Games deal with it through rules that cap what one character can do, and through a culture of good sportsmanship. If you notice it in yourself or someone else, a quiet word with a ref or organiser is usually the best first step.