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This is a subject of much
discussion, particularly on the
uk-freeforms
e-group, where every so often people try to define exactly what the term
means, and normally end up deciding that it means different things to
different people.
What I mean by a freeform is
probably best summed up by a quote from
Steve Hatherley's web-site: |
What's a Freeform?
Freeforms
are similar to Murder Mystery parties - but you commit the murder
yourself. Freeforms are a little like plays - but without a script or
audience. Freeforms are rather like roleplaying games - but lack the
tables, dice and have many, many more players.
On the other
hand, SFC Press describe freeforms as "an interactive social game in which
you assume the identity of a character and try to accomplish goals by
talking with other players and using simple game systems to handle such
things as combat, romance, etc."
You know, it's a lot easier to play in a freeform than
it is to explain one. |
Brian Williams'
article goes into greater depth |
After taking part in Masquerade in 2011 Kirstine
Heald wrote this excellent
blog post about how to survive your first freeform - recommended
reading for any Newbie. |
InterCon is a freeform convention held annually in Boston since 1998
which as well as providing some excellent games also has a great stream
of panels. In recent years some members of the UK-Freeforms group have
attended the convention and provided some greatly enjoyable panels.
Tony Mitton ran a panel at Intercon L exploring
the viewpoint of freeform GM's:
Players are Scum
QueenorTart followed up
Tony's panel the next year with a response from the players perspective:
GM's are
Bastards With the current rise in
popularity of 'Nordic' Freeforms, Tony stepped back up to the plate at
Intercon N with:
Nordic Larps are Toss At Intercon O,
QueenorTart ran the panel Writers are Cocks |
If anyone is ever thinking of taking the plunge
into writing a freeform game, an excellent starting point is Jeff
Diewald's
LARP-101 |
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