Accessibility at larp

This page has safety advice that hasn't yet been checked by our safety reviewer. Treat it as general guidance, and follow your game's, venue's or product's own safety rules first.

A plain-language overview of how larp events can be made more welcoming and safer for players with different needs, for new and experienced players alike.

Accessibility at larp means making sure that as many people as possible can take part fully, safely, and comfortably. This covers a wide range of needs: mobility and physical stamina, sensory differences such as low vision or hearing, neurodivergent players who may find loud environments or sudden physical contact challenging, and players managing chronic conditions or mental health. No single event will perfectly meet every need, but organisers and players alike can take practical steps that make a real difference. The most important first step is communication before the event. Many games ask players to fill in a brief needs form when they register, or invite them to contact the organiser privately. If your game offers this, use it honestly. You do not have to share a diagnosis; you can simply describe what you need, for example a quiet rest space nearby, a buddy to walk with over rough ground, or advance notice of content themes. Organisers cannot help with needs they do not know about, and sharing early gives them the best chance to plan. During play, most larps use off-game signals so that a player or crew member can step outside the fiction at any time without breaking the experience for others. A common example is the Off-game hand sign, which is typically a hand held flat above the head to show that what follows is real, not in-character. The Clarify call works in a similar way, pausing action so players can check a rule or a boundary. Because calls and signals vary between games, treat your specific game's safety brief as the authority on which signals are in use and what they mean. Physical terrain and costume choices matter too. Scout the site map if one is available, and ask whether there are firm-surface routes between main areas. Many players adapt their costumes to work alongside mobility aids, hearing devices, or medical equipment, and experienced makers in the community are often happy to share ideas. If you carry medication or medical equipment, let a trusted person at the event know where it is and what to do in a genuine emergency, and make sure the organiser or a first-aider knows too. This entry is general guidance intended to give new players a starting point. It is not the safety policy or accessibility statement of any particular game. Every event has its own rules, site conditions, and support structures, so always read your game's own pre-event information, attend the safety briefing, and speak to the organiser if anything is unclear. The goal of accessibility work is straightforward: more people able to enjoy the game, more fully, more of the time.