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Role-play as a Heritage Practice
Role-play as a Heritage Practice is the first book to examine physically performed role-enactments, such as live-action role-play (LARP), tabletop role-playing games (TRPG), and hobbyist historical reenactment (RH), from a combined game studies and heritage studies perspective. Demonstrating that non-digital role-plays, such as TRPG and LARP, share many features with RH, the book contends that all three may be considered as heritage practices. Studying these role-plays as three distinct genres of playful, participatory and performative forms of engagement with cultural heritage, Mochocki demonstrates how an exploration of the affordances of each genre can be valuable. Showing that a player’s engagement with history or heritage material is always multi-layered, the book clarifies that the layers may be conceptualised simultaneously as types of heritage authenticity and as types of in-game immersion. It is also made clear that RH, TRPG and LARP share commonalities with a multitude of other media, including video games, historical fiction and film. Existing within, and contributing to, the fiction and non-fiction mediasphere, these role-enactments are shaped by the same large-scale narratives and discourses that persons, families, communities, and nations use to build memory and identity. Role-play as a Heritage Practice will be of great interest to academics and students engaged in the study of heritage, memory, nostalgia, role-playing, historical games, performance, fans and transmedia narratology.
304 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2022
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May 20, 2023
This study by Michal Mochocki is a hidden gem that unfortunately flew below the radar and truly deserves more recognition within the gaming community. One of the book's notable strengths is its impressive theoretical foundation, which is a result of the author's extensive experience as a Tabletop Roleplayer, LARPIST, and historical reenactor, combined with his vast academic knowledge. By drawing on concepts from heritage studies and game studies, Mochocki establishes a solid framework for understanding the potential of RPGs and LARP in heritage practice and how they can be effectively utilized. However, it's important to note that the theoretical discussions may be challenging for non-academic gamers or non-gamer academics due to the use of academic language and complex concepts specific to the gaming world.
Nevertheless, I encourage readers to give this book a try because it offers truly impressive insights. The findings, though primarily directed at heritage practice, are also applicable to other settings, making the book relevant and valuable for a wider audience.
An outstanding aspect of the book is the inclusion of diverse case studies and a vast number of examples spanning from Poland to the United States. The author examines a variety of contexts where TRPGs, LARPs, Camp HR, and Battle HR have been employed as tools for engaging with heritage. This allows readers to grasp the practical applications and outcomes of these projects. The critical analysis of these case studies provides a nuanced understanding of the benefits, challenges, and specific differences of each activity in heritage practice.
The book explores fascinating questions, such as the belief in magic in historical settings and how it should be handled in a game setting. It delves into the idea that characters in historical periods would actually believe in magic, and therefore, incorporating that belief in a realistic way can enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, the book addresses the intriguing perspective of Historical Dissonance versus the Authorized Historical Discourse, which is a rarely debated topic in the gaming world. There are so many other fascinating topics covered by this book which makes it impossible to list them in a short review.
It's important to mention once again that the book assumes a certain level of familiarity with RPGs and heritage studies. While the author provides explanations and context, readers completely new to either field may find some concepts initially challenging to grasp.
Overall, with its comprehensive theoretical framework, rich case studies, and practical considerations, this book is an essential resource for academics, practitioners, and anyone interested in the intersection of RPGs, LARP, and cultural heritage. I highly recommend it.
Nevertheless, I encourage readers to give this book a try because it offers truly impressive insights. The findings, though primarily directed at heritage practice, are also applicable to other settings, making the book relevant and valuable for a wider audience.
An outstanding aspect of the book is the inclusion of diverse case studies and a vast number of examples spanning from Poland to the United States. The author examines a variety of contexts where TRPGs, LARPs, Camp HR, and Battle HR have been employed as tools for engaging with heritage. This allows readers to grasp the practical applications and outcomes of these projects. The critical analysis of these case studies provides a nuanced understanding of the benefits, challenges, and specific differences of each activity in heritage practice.
The book explores fascinating questions, such as the belief in magic in historical settings and how it should be handled in a game setting. It delves into the idea that characters in historical periods would actually believe in magic, and therefore, incorporating that belief in a realistic way can enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, the book addresses the intriguing perspective of Historical Dissonance versus the Authorized Historical Discourse, which is a rarely debated topic in the gaming world. There are so many other fascinating topics covered by this book which makes it impossible to list them in a short review.
It's important to mention once again that the book assumes a certain level of familiarity with RPGs and heritage studies. While the author provides explanations and context, readers completely new to either field may find some concepts initially challenging to grasp.
Overall, with its comprehensive theoretical framework, rich case studies, and practical considerations, this book is an essential resource for academics, practitioners, and anyone interested in the intersection of RPGs, LARP, and cultural heritage. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 of 1 review