Consent-based play
Consent-based play in roleplaying is when outcomes within a larp in-game are mediated between players through out-of-character mutual agreement.
This may exist alongside other mechanics within a larp, allowing players to alternate between chance-based mechanics or consent negotiations as they feel appropriate, or it can be the only method through which a game is determined. Some players prefer consent negotiations specifically to reduce interaction with chance-based mechanics, and/or to increase a sense of social cohesion on the story that is happening, or reduce negative bleed from disagreements. Agreement may be explicit or implicit throughout play, and use other tools such the OK check-in, pre-game calibration, and debriefing to assist in reaching agreement and ensure play is staying on track.
Though used across many styles of roleplaying, consent-based negotiations can nonetheless be complex to establish, as no two people inhabit the exact same cross-sections of perspective, identity, and experience. A great deal of literature has been produced to explore, explain, or advocate[1][2] for shared understandings to create starting grounds on which consent can be built within roleplaying contexts.
See also
- Theatre-style roleplaying
- Nordic larp
References
- ↑ Maury Brown (2017) The Consent and Community Safety Manifesto, blog post, Nordic Larp website, retrieved 4th June 2026.
- ↑ Sean K. Reynolds & Shanna Germain (2019) Consent in Gaming, Monte Cook Games LLC. Retrieved 4th June 2026.